Happiness. It is what we want for our loved ones and for ourselves.
Unfortunately, it is something that is relegated to the future. There is an endless list of reasons why we decide we can’t be happy, yet. The path to a medical degree is a long one. We invest time, energy and money to pursue our professional career. We’re told that once we achieve our goal and land the perfect job, then we can begin to live our life. When I finish school (training), then I'll be happy. When I get married, then I’ll be happy. When I have a baby...when I pay off my debt...when I get a better job...when the kids leave home...when I retire. There are several problems with this way of thinking. First, by the time we are nearing our goal, we are already looking towards the next goal. The result is shifting to a future focus without allowing for true celebration and acknowledgement of our current achievement. Second, if you hang your happiness on people, situations and things, you will be disappointed as they change (change is guaranteed over time). Happiness is the result of a decision you make in the present moment. To choose to see things in a way that generates happiness. And, to remember that we are not meant to be happy 100% of the time. Notice if there's a pattern showing up in your life of deferring happiness. You don't have to wait for external circumstances to change to be happy. Happiness is an inside job. It's a choice you make each and every day. When you set an intention to be happy you will. When your happiness is dependent on life always going your way or others changing their behavior (something you don't control), it feels elusive. And it's often futile, like a dog chasing it's own tail. It will always be just out of your reach. So, stop chasing happiness and decide to be happy where you are in this moment. But how?
What are your favorite go-to strategies to help you generate intrinsic happiness? Share in the comments below.
1 Comment
JEFF
5/11/2021 08:51:04 pm
Thank you for this important wisdom Dr. Bailey. Such an important reminder in this culture of always striving for something out of reach.
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Life Beyond Clinical Practice with Dr. Michelle Bailey
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Hi, I'm Dr. Michelle Bailey.
I help physicians who are unhappy or unsatisfied with their current career find a nonclinical career that they love. Retiring early from clinical practice after almost 20 years as a board-certified pediatrician I successfully made the leap and transitioned to a nonclinical career. I'm thriving in my new career and am on a mission to help other physicians do the same with the support, guidance, and community that I wish I had when I was struggling with this decision. You're invited to connect with me in my private Facebook community for physicians to learn about all things related to your nonclinical career transition. Join here. |
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