“The word ‘should’ is an enemy of growth and a thief of joy.”
―Kevin Ngo
The first time I heard the phrase “shoulding all over yourself,” I laughed. As a gastroenterologist, I have a particular affinity for poop...
“The Hospital Will Not Love You Back.”
–Vagabond MD
During a physician meeting, one of my partners began talking about physician satisfaction. He said it in a very matter-of-fact way. He spoke about how our current way of doing things ...
“We’re afraid that the feeling of joy won’t last, or that the other shoe is going to drop. We think, ‘I’m feeling good, this can’t be right; something bad is going to happen.’”
—Brené Brown
...
“If you have integrity, nothing else matters.
If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”
–Harvey Mackay
Here’s something I never thought I’d say: I attended a conference for entrepreneurs. Over the years,...
“Discomfort is the currency of your dreams.”
--Brooke Castillo
According to Google, comfort is a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. Just reading that makes me feel more relaxed. Comfort is quiet, warm,...
“Learning to accept compliments gracefully is a vital part of learning to love yourself.”
―Unknown
Early in my coaching journey, I complimented my physician coach on an enlightening session. She responded, “I accept your compliment with...
“Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”
—Brené Brown
In her book, I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), Brené Brown takes the time to distinguish the difference between guilt...
“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”
—Mark Black
In August 2022, I gave myself one job: Do nothing. My goal was to rest, rejuvenate and relax. I have spent so much of my life hustling and achieving that a much-needed rest was undoubtedly in order....
“When I argue with reality, I lose—but only 100% of the time.”
—Byron Katie
Control is an illusion. We all know that to be true. We can be diligent about planning, coordinating, and scheduling and even leave a margin...
You can’t read the label from inside the jar.
I never saw myself as an athlete. Little League was an indisputable disaster, and my confidence was shaken. I did have a barbell and a bench and started lifting weights as a teenager. It wasn’t a regular hobby,...
“Life does not change if you only modify the content,
your life will change if you will dare to alter the context.”
–Santosh Kalwar
Have you heard the commencement speech given by David Foster Wallace, called This Is Water? I hadn’t....
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is a story? When I think of a story, I think of a fairy tale. An imaginary account that has been concocted for...