Not Exactly New Year’s Resolution
I’ve never been a New Year’s resolution kind of person, but these last few years have given me a lot to reconsider. In most careers, people end up changing or choose to change their jobs every 3 to 5 years. In medicine, it seems many of us pretty much stay in the same position (with nominal promotions, many times at the same institution) for our entire careers. Rarely do we see physicians pivot significantly within medicine, much less outside of medicine.
While I love the idea of doing something you absolutely love, it’s naïve to think every person will be passionate about their day to day job. Just as not every physician wakes up excited to go to work in the morning, I imagine there are teachers, sanitation workers, professors, farmers and bus drivers-all who do essential work- who also do not find their day job exhilarating.
Saying no
But I believe what we can do, and what I’ve committed to doing, is saying no, full stop, to things that are mere obligations. This, with the goal, to make my work life (and life, in general) filled with things that bring meaning and energy to me. To sacrifice means offering something precious, something costly. Something that is costly to someone. In every sacrifice, someone pays the price. If I say yes to something at work, it may cost me family time or my mental well-being, and this is no longer a price I am willing to pay. Instead, the price I pay will be pleasing my colleagues or academic clout or even, neither of which, I have come to realize this year, matters an iota to me.
Creating a mind map
One visual aid I have found helpful is the mind map I first saw recommended by Jenny Blake. It’s a fresh way to brainstorm and translate priorities into actionable steps. For me, it has been a more freeing way of dreaming, coming up with unconventional “resolutions” that are both important and meaningful.
For example, in the spoke of the wheel for “hobbies”, this article by Jill Elliot on MotherUntitled.com was super timely. Even though I am not currently in a career break, this article helped me name a creative hobby of mine out loud and gave me conviction to turn my hobby into a habit, even now while working full-time outside the home.
Saying yes
My main goal this year is saying yes to things that fulfill and cultivate my and my family’s dreams and goals rather than advance someone else’s agenda. For me, this includes not automatically saying yes to measures to increase productivity, taking on committee roles, volunteering time and attending meetings. For me, this means saying yes to things that will allow me to have restful sleep, dedicated regular exercise, uninterrupted dinners with my family and vacations that are not overshadowed by work obligations. This means reminding myself of my own definition of success and fulfillment instead of the white noise of society. May this next year bring peace, bold change and deep joy.
Related posts: