Fleas in a jar learn to jump only as high as the lid - even after it's removed. Sound familiar? This is learned helplessness in action, and it's quietly sabotaging your career and wellbeing.

The Pattern: Try to improve things → Get shut down → Stop trying → Accept dysfunction as "normal"

Real Examples:

When YOU stop pushing boundaries, the system gets comfortable with YOUR discomfort. They'll gladly let you overfunction until you burn out, then replace you with the next overfunctioner.

But here's the kicker: Your silence isn't protecting you - it's enabling a broken system.

Most limits are learned, not real. That lid was removed long ago - you just haven't tested how high you can actually jump.

Your voice matters. Your boundaries matter. Your wellbeing matters.

The system needs healthy, empowered physicians who refuse to accept dysfunction as normal.

Ready to break free? Start with one micro experiment this week.

Join fellow physicians breaking barriers at the Happier Hour - ACEP Scientific Assembly 2025, Salt Lake City

Email your breakthrough stories to [email protected]

Transform your limits into launching pads - you're capable of more than you know.