In the medical profession, a lot of time may be spent encouraging patients toward their health and wellness goals. At no time does this tendency occur more than during a transition from one year to the next. Every year, we get sucked into the age-old trend of setting New Year’s Resolutions. And every year, at some point, more than 90% of us get tripped up. Research suggests that only an elite 8% of us resolution makers achieve our intention.
Here, we want to list a few ways that you can reach success with your goals for 2018.
- Get specific. Don’t just say “I’m going to get in better shape,” outline what that entails. Are you going to lose that last 10 pounds? Is there a clothing size you’re going to fit into? What about your professional goals? Do you want to increase the number of patients you see each month? By how much?
- Get out your measuring stick. What isn’t measured won’t be changed – at least not by much. For us to achieve success, we must create a feedback loop. This can serve to motivate us and give us a point of reference when we need to adjust our efforts.
- Practice patience. Goal-setting is a practice in patience because we seldom progress in clear linear fashion. For change to last, it will take time. Initial success doesn’t mean long-term success, and initial roadblocks don’t mean failure is certain. Stay with your goals and continue measuring and adjusting as needed.
- Put it on the calendar. Finding time to do anything new can be an enormous challenge. It’s so easy to say we just “can’t find the time.” The truth is, success comes from making the time, from taking action. Let’s go back to your practice goals, shall we? If you want to expand your knowledge base or skillset, scheduling attendance at a medical training course is the way to make sure you achieve what you set out to do.
- Get up, again and again. Listen, success doesn’t just happen. You may even feel tested as you set out to expand your horizons. Falling, or falling short, is no reason to stop moving forward. Commitment isn’t a one-time event; it may have to take place daily for a while.
In medicine and life, there is always something new to learn. When it comes to bioskills, we are here to help. Contact SMTS – Surgical & Medical Training Services at (888) 801-9444.
