I was just reading my favorite running blog on Runnersworld, called Mile Markers by Kristin Armstrong, and this quote was essentially the topic of her entry. I think that that statement is a perfect reminder here in med school, where comparisons are endless and too often I succumb to that game myself.
Besides the fact that we eat, sleep, study and sit in class with the same, motivated and determined people day in and day out, we are also somewhat isolated from a more realistic view of society here in Grenada, at least in the sense of having mentors, wise old family members, Starbucks employees, artists, writers, and other non-med students influencing our daily lives. The result? It's easy to lose perspective sometimes and comparisons and insecurities can creep in - particularly around stressful study or exam times.
My self-confidence is usually pretty stable. After 27 years of self-development, I'd say I'm pretty secure with how I operate and what gifts I have or don't have to share with this world. I.e. working with kids, yes vs. singing and playing the violin, no. For academics, of course it takes some time to adjust to the rigors of any new program, and med school is certainly no exception, but I've relearned how my brain works and what I need to do to "get it done" in this environment at the times I've needed to, i.e. pictures = good vs. slides stuffed with text = bad.
In addition, I am happy in the somewhat hyper, nerdy skin I have and features like the fact that I'd prefer to get up with the sun and run for miles rather than drink until the sun comes up. Coffee makes me totally spastic and I should avoid it, and I just don't like french fries or small talk. However, despite this overall opinion that I basically know who I am at this point, my (especially academic) self-confidence wanes in this place sometimes, and comparisons are the first thing to cause those dips should they arise. And yes, comparison IS the thief of joy.
There will ALWAYS be someone smarter, faster, richer, and more peaceful. And there will also be many people looking at you and wanting what YOU have. Neither of those facts of life should be motivating or depressing. One day at a time. Live our own lives. Do the best we can with what we have where we are (someone else's great quote).
I am trying to reflect on this now while things are still not TOO intense this term, and I have a good wave of "you can do its" carrying me from home. That said, midterms are next Friday... and people are getting squirrely. Confidence, perseverance, and not apologizing for doing what I need to do.
I want to be the most wonderful and capable doctor I can be someday, and comparing myself to my fellow future physicians will certainly suck the joy out of this incredible and life-changing process. Thanks for the quote Kristin (and Roosevelt, of course).
Besides the fact that we eat, sleep, study and sit in class with the same, motivated and determined people day in and day out, we are also somewhat isolated from a more realistic view of society here in Grenada, at least in the sense of having mentors, wise old family members, Starbucks employees, artists, writers, and other non-med students influencing our daily lives. The result? It's easy to lose perspective sometimes and comparisons and insecurities can creep in - particularly around stressful study or exam times.
My self-confidence is usually pretty stable. After 27 years of self-development, I'd say I'm pretty secure with how I operate and what gifts I have or don't have to share with this world. I.e. working with kids, yes vs. singing and playing the violin, no. For academics, of course it takes some time to adjust to the rigors of any new program, and med school is certainly no exception, but I've relearned how my brain works and what I need to do to "get it done" in this environment at the times I've needed to, i.e. pictures = good vs. slides stuffed with text = bad.
In addition, I am happy in the somewhat hyper, nerdy skin I have and features like the fact that I'd prefer to get up with the sun and run for miles rather than drink until the sun comes up. Coffee makes me totally spastic and I should avoid it, and I just don't like french fries or small talk. However, despite this overall opinion that I basically know who I am at this point, my (especially academic) self-confidence wanes in this place sometimes, and comparisons are the first thing to cause those dips should they arise. And yes, comparison IS the thief of joy.
There will ALWAYS be someone smarter, faster, richer, and more peaceful. And there will also be many people looking at you and wanting what YOU have. Neither of those facts of life should be motivating or depressing. One day at a time. Live our own lives. Do the best we can with what we have where we are (someone else's great quote).
I am trying to reflect on this now while things are still not TOO intense this term, and I have a good wave of "you can do its" carrying me from home. That said, midterms are next Friday... and people are getting squirrely. Confidence, perseverance, and not apologizing for doing what I need to do.
I want to be the most wonderful and capable doctor I can be someday, and comparing myself to my fellow future physicians will certainly suck the joy out of this incredible and life-changing process. Thanks for the quote Kristin (and Roosevelt, of course).
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