Lessons from a pediatric neurologist

One of my sons has epilepsy, and has taken five different medications over the past few years. 

Each time we try a new medication, his pediatric neurologist (who will be sainted after she dies, I’m pretty sure) discusses the range of medication dosage with me and my husband. 

And then, every time, she says: “But we should start at the minimum viable dose.” 

In other words: If my son could take between .5 and 2 mL per kg of bodyweight, let’s start at the bottom and only increase if necessary. 

Greater dose, most people agree, comes with more side effects. 
So start with the minimum viable dose.

One of my consistent observations as a life coach has been: Most of us do not start at the minimum dosage. 

Of course, this observation is not new. We take on too much, we exhaust ourselves, blah, blah, blah. 

But recently, I’ve had a new insight about it: Many of us lack the imagination for what a minimum viable dosage *could* be. 

…

Here’s the thing: my son’s neurologist knows, for a fact, the range of suggested ml/kg of body weight that can be effective. For most of the medications my son has taken, it’s typically already been established in the research literature. 

For us in the non-medical world, I think part of the problem is that we *think* we’re doing a small dose. We think 30 minutes a day of exercise or writing or journaling, for example, is doable and sustainable — while also being efficacious towards our goals.

But what if that’s nowhere near the minimum viable dose? 

One of the great joys of working with my 1:1 clients, is that from my experience and skill, I can give them outrageously doable assignments that nonetheless help them achieve their goals. But today, I just want to offer that idea for you to chew on: 

“30 minutes a day” might become “30 minutes once a week.” 

“Actually do three things this week” might become “Just make a list of three things you could do, this week.” 

“Take the next key step” might become “identify the next key step, and just think about it each day this week.”

Over and over and over, my clients make more progress with me than they would on their own. There’s many reasons for that, but think it’s not so dissimilar from what my son’s neurologist knows: 

With greater dose, comes more side effects. 

I keep the dose quite low, minimize side effects, and my clients are better able to reap the positive effects of the “treatment” (to use that medical metaphor.) 

…

So I would offer you this week: How could you significantly lower your dosage? 

In my clinical experience, it still might be quite potent. 

…

As always, I’m rooting for you in the week ahead. You’ve got this.

Katie




p.s. The most successful people in the world have coaches — from CEOs to Olympic athletes. Which makes sense; successful people get that way by being open to discovering blind spots, re-examining old beliefs, and trying new things.

Why not you?

If you'd like to work with me 1:1 — learn more here.

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One thing that often holds my clients back from making decisions

Remember how we talked about confusion last week? I wanted to add a quick additional note (something I tell clients all the time):  

Sometimes the reason we are mired in the Land of Confusion is because we are not yet ready to take action.

If we took action…

We might have to find a new job.
Have a really dicey conversation with our mom. Or our boss.
Get divorced.
Move.
Do something that our friend wouldn’t like.
Make some tough financial choices.

So here’s a reminder:

You can know the explosive, scary, radical thing… and not take action until you are ready.
You can know the explosive, scary, radical thing… and not tell a single soul yet.
You can know the explosive, scary, radical thing… and keep your life exactly the same for as long as you want.  

But just knowing it — clearly + explicitly, within your own heart + mind — it will make you feel calmer, more grounded, stronger.

It will help you.

And you can wait as long as you freakin’ want to actually move forward.

…

As always, I’m rooting for you in the week ahead. You’ve got this.
Katie 




p.s. Interested in working with me for new 1:1 clients? I have a few spots open for new clients. I’m a skillful, experienced coach, and there is nothing that I love more than blowing my clients minds about what’s possible for them. (I know that’s cheesy, but it’s true.)

Learn more about working with me here.

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Read this if you're struggling to make a decision

Here’s a hard but important truth: Sometimes you have to choose.

Sometimes you have to choose between having time to rest and recharge vs. doing something exciting and fun.

Between pursuing thinness vs. pursuing sanity around food. 

Between pursuing a career you love vs. a career that will make your life feel balanced.

Is it possible to have both? Maybe! Eventually! In some form!

But here in the present moment, we usually have to prioritize. We need to know what we’ll choose when push comes to shove. Even if it feels like both things are extremely important, there’s usually one thing that takes precedence, even subconsciously.

But why let it be subconscious? Life is easier if you make your prioritization explicit. That way, you don’t have to be jealous of other people who are thin or have a high-earning career, for example, if you are choosing to prioritize sanity around food or a balanced work life. Every choice has trade-offs, and you can make peace with yours.

Prioritizing is an act of kindness. It is saying to yourself: I will accept the limitations of reality.

What are your dreams for your life? How can you prioritize them, for the week ahead?

How can you give yourself a break?

As always, I’m rooting for you. You’ve got this.

Katie