327. The Art of Pacing: Trusting Yourself Through Change with Dr. Jenny Kohr
The Art of Pacing: Trusting Yourself Through Change
What if you could move through a career transition without rushing to prove yourself, fill every open space, or have the whole future figured out?
In this episode, Jessie talks with Dr. Jenny Kohr, a breast radiologist who took 9 weeks off between leaving a job of nearly 14 years and starting a new one. Jenny shares how she learned to resist “recreating busy,” make room for what genuinely nourished her, and trust that a slower, more intentional pace was not a problem to solve.
Their conversation is full of practical wisdom for women physicians navigating career change, uncertainty, perfectionism, burnout, or the quiet realization that something needs to shift. Through stories of singing lessons, creative writing, movement, meditation, and a daily cup of coffee outside, Jenny shows what becomes possible when we stop forcing ourselves to fit and start paying attention to what feels true.
What we explore:
Ending well and beginning again without rushing yourself
Why open space can feel uncomfortable for high-achieving physicians
Pacing as a practical way to work with urgency and perfectionism
Listening to your body and intuition when deciding what fits
Why striving can interfere with both joy and performance
How nervous system awareness can help you access creativity and perspective
The power of curiosity and good questions in a new role
FAQs
What does “pacing” mean in this episode?
Pacing means allowing something to take the time it actually takes, rather than rushing to complete it or cramming it into an already full life. Jenny applies this to time off, exercise, writing, learning, and starting a new job.
What does “recreating busy” mean?
It is the tendency to fill newly available space with commitments, classes, plans, or projects—often because unstructured time feels uncomfortable. The episode explores how to notice that impulse and choose more intentionally.
A note from Jessie
Pacing is not about doing less for the sake of doing less. It is about doing what is yours to do, on purpose—and letting the rest wait.
If you are ready for change but want to make it without pushing harder, coaching can offer a place to listen, reflect, and choose your next steps from a steadier place.
CME Wellness Retreats: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats
1:1 and Small Group Physician Coaching: https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching
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Jessie's Blog: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/jessies-blog
*Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice. The Healing Medicine Podcast was formerly known as the Mindful Healers Podcast.