The Self Help Book Everyone Should Read
I apply this to myself, my practice and my patients.
💡 One Insight
"Start With Why" by Simon Sinek is my favourite self-development book. It argues that the most inspiring and successful leaders and organisations operate from a clear sense of purpose and identity - their “why.” Rather than starting with what they do or how they do it, they begin with why they do it — their core belief or cause.
Sinek introduces a three-layered concept called the Golden Circle Model.
Why: The purpose, cause, or belief that drives an individual or organisation.
How: The process or values that guide how the "Why" is brought to life.
What: The tangible products, services, or results.
Having taken some time off with burnout and starting therapy, it’s given me an opportunity to have a look in the mirror and re-establish my “why” – why am I still a psychiatrist? Why do I still choose to do this line of work and where does this part of my identity sit among all the other facets of my life. It’s also made me realised how much my values have been tested as of late, and whether consciously or unconsciously, I’ve done everything I can to stay true to them. It's bloody hard though, but maybe that’s another sign of their importance and how they can give life so much meaning?
Who am I?
Hi 👋 friends, thank you so much for subscribing to my newsletter. I’m Elliott, a doctor and psychiatrist in the UK I make content about how to use an understanding of mental health 🧠. I hope that you will find this helpful in knowing how to use your mind as a tool of strength.
If you want to learn more about mental health and how to harness yours to improve productivity and performance, then please do subscribe to my second YouTube channel launching very soon where I help solve your real world mental health problems using my knowledge and experience as a psychiatrist.
🧠 One Strategy
Write a Personal Mission Statement
Dedicate 10 minutes to write out your "Why" — what drives you, what matters most, and how you want to show up in the world. Keep it visible.A good rule of thumb: If you can’t explain it simply without removing key details, you probably don’t understand it well enough yet.
🔁 One Mindset Shift
Values Over Validation
Shift from seeking external approval to living in alignment with your internal compass.
📌One Resource (this one is obvious)
Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
📣 One Reflective Question
If fear wasn’t a factor, what meaningful change would I make in my life or work today?
Let’s Connect
▶️ YouTube: / drelliottcarthy
📸 Instagram: / dr.elliott.carthy
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👨💻 Linkedin: / elliottcarthy
🌍 My website: https://www.drelliottcarthy.com
Before you go…
I’d love to know if any of this resonated with you. Leave a comment if you’re comfortable sharing x
Yes, interesting - similar to "Finding Your Why & Finding Your Way - an ACT therapy workbook to help you identify what you Care about and Reaching your goals" Moran/Siri Min, 2023. The Why is linked to what we value and this book helps one do just that. But smart choice.
I really like your reflective question "If fear wasn’t a factor, what meaningful change would I make in my life or work today?" because it reminds me of something I often ask myself: What is holding me back? If the only thing holding me back is fear, I will push myself to do the thing. So if there is risk, lack of energy, lack of financial means, etc., those are all valid reasons not to do the thing, but if it truly is only fear? Go do the thing!
And eager to see what you will do with the new YouTube channel, I subscribed :)