Real conversation the other day at SCCO.
“What are you doing after graduation Sarah*?” (not real name) -me
“I’m doing a residency in pediatrics/vision therapy in order to fulfill my goal of introducing this specialty as an associate or even in my own private practice when the opportunity arises.” – Sarah
“YES!!!! GREAT ANSWER!!!” – me
I loved it! Because she mentioned something that I personally love doing in order to figure out where I’m going and why I am going there. She set goals and decided to pursue an optometry residency because it would help her fulfill her goals.
Another friend of mine Scott (not real name) gave me this answer to the same question.
“I’m going to do a residency in primary care and then figure out what I am going to do later during my residency.” – Scott. “I’m just applying to the residencies in Los Angeles. The VA staff doc really liked me and so I figured I’d give it a shot.”
When I hear the latter I just shake my head. Scott doesn’t have a plan. Or maybe he does, but he hasn’t adequately linked his decision to do a residency to a more longterm goal. Right now, his focus is myopic. His goal is to get a residency, nothing more. If that doesn’t pan out, he’ll start his job search.
Before you do anything, it should fit in a longterm plan. Otherwise you are just performing random acts in order to achieve success. All success requires clear planning followed by defined actions.
Which is why every optometric practice, or any business for that matter, should have a mission statement. The statement should define the longterm goals of a practice and henceforth drive all decision making. Let me give you some examples:
I think it’s difficult for most people to get out of their day-to-day operations and remember their higher-level goals. Somehow “Sarah” managed to do that – I’d love to find out how! I know that I get lost in my daily activities.
It’s definitely common and I find myself getting lost in my immediate needs. One thing that helps in to sit down and simply write it out! Studies show that if you put it in writing with a deadline (and with consequences) you are 70% more likely to do something about it.
Thanh, you are THE MAN! Great article, bud!
Actually, you are the man for getting the residency of your dreams Wooski!!! Congratulations, I have a bajillion friends who did not match, but I am excited that you did, well deserved =)
Greetings Dr. Mai,
Its been a while since I’ve visited….wanted to encourage you to continue with your blogging especially after graduation.
And as you embark upon your Optometric career (and married life as well), I’m glad to see that you understand its important to have a PLAN.
I’d like to suggest though, that there is something MORE IMPORTANT than a PLAN. How could anything be more important than a PLAN you ask?
Well, amuse me by taking a minute to consider the most inspirational people you can think of….from all walks of life, be it science, sports, politics, religion, public service, healthcare, etc.
Now when you take a deep dive into those peoples lives, you will rarely find a straight path to success. What you will find is that these inspirational figures have suffered adversity and set backs typically on a grand scale. But what makes them “inspirational” by nature is that they were able to ADAPT and OVERCOME the obstacles that were in their way. The found a way to achieve.
So as you have already probably figured out….whats more important than a PLAN is a “PLAN B”. Recognize that life, be it personal or professional, rarely goes exactly as you’ve planned. Sometimes it works out better and sometimes not so much. When things happen that aren’t part of the original PLAN and most of the time that will be the case in this exciting world, you’ll need to embrace PLAN B and there’s nothing wrong with that….take care.
One of the best comments I have ever read Blaine!
Reminds me of when I was reading about Abe Lincoln a couple of weeks ago. Lincoln failed in business and in farming. He lost running for state legislature. He was rejected to be a land officer and had a mental breakdown at one point. He ran for congress and lost, he ran for vice president and lost. He ran for Senate and lost again. And when he finally became president the country split in half.
But he’s still one of the greatest presidents of all time! It’s okay to fail. =)
I try to give anything I am trying to change in my life 30 days, as that is how long it takes to brake a habit. It has helped me so much in my life, some things are harder to change then others, but none the less the 30 day method always works!