Hi, I'm Kendra

Life is not easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard. As a Professional Certified Life and Weight Coach I teach women how to free themselves from the internal stories that keep them from living the life they dreamed of. The cognitive based tools I teach, are the same ones that freed me from self-defeating thoughts and belief systems, so that I could manage my emotions, create routines, and improve my relationships.

Episode 10: Following Desires, Trusting the Process: How Physician Spouses Can Build Identity Beyond Survival Mode

Podcast

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “When residency is over… then I’ll finally…”?
You’re not alone. For many physician spouses, it feels like our dreams and identity are on pause until “someday.” But what if you didn’t have to wait?

In this episode of Supporting Physician Spouses, we dive into how to start living as the future version of yourself—right now. Inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, we share a roadmap for moving from identity → process → outcome, plus real-life stories of following desire in imperfect seasons.

Here’s what we cover:

[00:00] Welcome & Host Check-In: Life updates, birthday reflections, and med student insights
[04:30] Exploring Identity: The importance of becoming your future self now
[08:00] James Clear’s 3 Layers of Behavior Change: Identity, process, outcome
[11:30] Starting with Identity vs. Starting with Goals
[14:15] Desires as Breadcrumbs: Following your deep wants as clues to your future self
[17:45] Big Magic & Creative Courage: How small acts spark big change
[21:30] Following Desire Through Residency & Beyond: Real-life story
[25:15] Faith, Fear & Taking Leaps Without Knowing the Outcome
[27:45] Visioning Exercise: Naming your future self and core beliefs
[30:30] Making Space for Desire: Planning and prioritizing amidst busy life
[32:30] Closing Encouragement & Final Thoughts

Resources & Mentions:

Atomic Habits by James Clear
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Previous episode: Spiritual Self-Care for the Physician Spouse

Check out this episode!

Share this post

Free Resource Library

Get access to printables, worksheets, and exclusive content.

HI, I’M KENDRA

Life is not easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard. As a Professional Certified Life and Weight Coach I teach women how to free themselves from the stories that have held them hostage to their husbands career and from living the life they dreamed of. The cognitive based tools I teach, are the same ones that freed me from self-defeating thoughts and belief systems, so that I could manage my emotions, create routines, and improve my relationships.