In a world where high achievers often grapple with burnout in the relentless pursuit of success, could the answer to fulfillment be as simple as being kinder to ourselves?
In the latest episode of The Health Feast podcast (Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube), Dr. Rak welcomes Jordana Confino, a certified professional coach, speaker, and advisor, renowned for her expertise in positive psychology and well-being.
A Yale Law School graduate, Jordana was on a promising legal career path when she herself experienced the severe burnout that high achievers often face. Her own path to recovery ultimately led her to found JC Coaching & Consulting, where she now empowers lawyers and other professionals to transform their lives and work for the better. Her unparalleled ability to connect with and inspire everyone she meets has made her a sought-after figure in the field of personal and professional development.
Our conversation delves into the profound impact of perfectionism on our mental and physical health. Jordana shares her personal story of reaching a breaking point, realizing the toxic effects of her inner critic, and how she transformed her life by embracing self-compassion.
Jordana is a Professor at Fordham Law School, where she teaches law students about the power of positive psychology. Her aim is to equip students and professionals with tools and strategies to build meaningful and satisfying careers by aligning professional pursuits with personal values.
In this episode, Jordana also offers practical insights into how we can all benefit from treating ourselves with the same kindness we extend to others. She explains the science behind self-compassion, the importance of aligning our lives with our core values, and how small, actionable steps can lead to significant changes in our overall well-being.
We also discuss the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives, the role of mentors and leaders in fostering a positive work culture, and the transformative power of authentic human connections.
Jordana also sheds light on the link between perfectionism and chronic pain, illustrating how our mental state can manifest physically and offering strategies to break this cycle. We delve into her experiences with mind-body medicine and how positive psychology principles can be applied to address physical health issues.
By the end of our conversation, it becomes clear that the path to true success is not paved with relentless self-criticism but with self-acceptance and a commitment to our well-being.
I’m super excited to share this episode with you because I know from personal experience how perfectionism can lead to burnout and how self-compassion can transform our lives and achieve lasting success.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak
Takeaways
Burnout and moral injury are prevalent issues among high-achieving professionals in various industries.
Perfectionism is not synonymous with high standards or excellence; it is an unrealistic expectation of flawless performance.
Self-compassion is a powerful tool for motivation, learning, and personal growth.
Positive psychology and self-talk can help individuals challenge societal expectations and cultivate well-being and resilience. Recognize and challenge self-critical thoughts to cultivate self-compassion.
Practice mindfulness to become aware of negative thought patterns.
Focus on intrinsic motivation and find meaning in work.
Set boundaries to prevent burnout and prioritize well-being.
Create psychological safety in high-pressure environments to foster motivation and performance. Perfectionism is highly correlated with chronic pain and chronic health issues that don't respond to traditional medicine.
Mind-body medicine and self-compassion are effective in managing chronic pain and anxiety.
Meaningful connections and deep relationships are essential for combating loneliness and improving overall well-being.
Small changes and micro-moments of positive connection can lead to progress and resilience.
Self-care and self-compassion are not selfish but necessary for personal growth and the ability to help others.
Practicing gratitude and aligning with personal values can enhance well-being and create a positive ripple effect.
Timestamps:
[01:23] Dr. Rak’s Intro to the Episode
[04:56] Exploring Moral Injury in Healthcare and Beyond
[06:28] The Universal Struggle of High Achievers Across Industries
[07:39] The Journey from Law School to Recognizing a Misaligned Dream
[11:20] Unpacking the Roots of Perfectionism and Its Impact
[19:53] The Transformational Power of Self-Compassion
[25:19] Harnessing Self-Compassion for Personal and Professional Growth
[42:45] Redefining Success: From Obsessive to Harmonious Passion
[45:57] Unlocking Performance with Positive Psychology
[47:32] Navigating the Demands of Law Careers: Strategies for New Attorneys
[49:14] The Power of Self-Compassion and Boundaries in High-Pressure Jobs
[53:05] Exploring Alternatives and Aligning Values in Your Career
[59:08] The Link Between Perfectionism and Physical Health
[01:01:24] Embracing Small Changes for Big Impact
[01:08:49] Cultivating Connection and Gratitude in the Workplace
[01:19:22] Self-Care as a Foundation for Helping Others
[01:21:48] Bringing Self-Compassion to the Health Feast
Online Platforms:
JC Coaching and Consulting
Jordana’s Blog: Chronicles of a Recovering Type A+ Perfectionist
Connect with Jordana on LinkedIn
Guest Bio
Jordana is a certified professional coach, speaker, and advisor. She is valued for her expertise in positive psychology and well-being and her unparalleled ability to connect with and inspire everyone she meets.
Seven years after graduating from Yale Law School, Jordana founded JC Coaching & Consulting to empower lawyers and other high-achieving professionals to transform their lives and work for the better.
Having spent the bulk of her career working as a lawyer and in legal education at elite institutions, Jordana knows that many high-achieving, successful people hold limiting beliefs that prevent them from truly flourishing. For many years, she was one of them. Jordana transformed her life by leveraging the science of positive psychology and human motivation theory, and she is passionate about helping others do the same.
Jordana is an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School, where she previously served as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Professionalism. She teaches a course on Positive Lawyering, which educates students on harnessing positive psychology's insights and science-backed strategies to reach their highest potential and build meaningful, satisfying legal careers. She also teaches Peer Mentoring & Leadership, a one-of-a-kind course designed to equip mentors with the tools and training they need to optimally support their mentees and emerge as leaders in the profession.
Jordana was voted Fordham Law Adjunct Professor of the Year in 2021.
Education
Yale Law School, JD
Yale University, BA, Psychology
NY Open Center, Certification in Applied Positive Psychology
iPEC Coaching, CPC, CLDS, CTDS
Int’l Coaching Federation, ACC
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Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.
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