The most common question I have gotten from pre-med and incoming medical students is "how can you handle everything that you are doing?" This is applicable for all fields though, not just medicine. Honestly, my plate is often overfilling with med school, a master’s program, volunteer and leadership experiences, travelling for advocacy opportunities, wedding florals, as well as marriage, dog mommin duties, taking care of a home and family matters. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, even though I realize that I add a lot of this on myself. I tell people not to take on too much at one time. My best advice is to add one thing at a time, then reassess where you are and how you are doing.
I recently read a book, in reality I listened to it while I commuted to the hospital, that I literally tell everyone about. It is called 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. The idea is that the average lifespan of a human is 4000 weeks, some of us may get more or less. I often now consider now how fast one or even four weeks go by and somehow 4000 seems so short, so we should make the most of the time we do have. How are we spending this life? Are we consumed by things that are not worth our time? Do we have perspective on what is next?
Make sure that you do not lose yourself and your priorities in all of the business that you create for yourself. Sometimes in life we have so many roles that we forget to fill ourselves with things that make us human. Things that remind us that we are ALIVE. I remember feeling like I was on auto-pilot last year and probably was acting like it too. It's like the point where you feel you are doing what it takes to get to the next step, but you aren't enjoying the journey it takes to get there. You obviously cannot be productive or absorb information when you give yourself minimal sleep and nourishment. This is also true when you neglect yourself, your hobbies, your relationships as you are neglecting your happiness.
Make time to reflect on priorities and do something, even if it is small, everyday to reconnect to what matters. One of the things I fear most is disappointing others. Sometimes you have to voice your needs though, even if it means disappointing them. There have been many times I have unfortunately missed out on something that others wanted me to do during medical school. But there has also been times that I have gotten to be present. I am thankful for those opportunities and remind myself that it is alright to take breaks.
Next time you find yourself surrounded by the business, reassess why you are doing it. An easy way to think of this is to only take on tasks that will better you or someone else. If it isn't doing one of those things, then try to understand if it is really necessary. And remember you are capable and worthy, don't let the imposter syndrome creep in.
コメント