Stay Interesting

I know it’s trite to say that all work and no play makes a doctor pretty one dimensional if not outright boring. Our patients want to see us as real people. Good bedside manner requires us to show our “regular” side while we take care of our patients. Having a hobby or a sport like fishing or golf or biking to look forward to after working like we do adds balance to our life. Get fit. Get outside and get refreshed, or go home and create or enjoy some music or art. Spend time with your family, who may rarely see you during the work week. Make a family tradition of a fun family vacation once or twice per year, when you really get away and are totally present to them.

Stephen Covey, in his time-honored book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, lists Sharpening the Saw as the 7th habit. It’s a process of continual “Renewal”, which is only possible when we step away from the office and the daily grind. Building other dimensions to your life will make you a better doctor, and gain much more success in your overall life.