Create your own inspiration. To put it simply and honestly as Andy Dufresne once did in the film The Shawshank Redemption, we have to “get busy living or get busy dying.” There is a widely held misconception that by completing our training and graduating for the final time, we will be imbued with a sense of purpose to guide us for the rest of our careers. However, the reality is that, if we do the same thing every day for years, medicine can become simply a job, and the world around us can lose some of its luster. Inspiration is hard to come by, which is why we must create our own in the moments we can. Nothing should be taken for granted, as inspiration has no prerequisite size or form. It can be as simple as a novel observation or as grandiose as a revolutionary treatment. It can be as guileless as a beloved child’s success or a spouse’s love. Actively sharing ideas with mentors, colleagues, friends, and patients empowers each of us with a voice to create change. However, what matters more than the final outcome is our perception of the process and how we lead it. The constant and deliberate pursuit of new sources of motivation is paramount to staying excited and engaged in our work and our lives. Enjoy the journey—it can be well worth it.
In the end, if we change nothing, nothing will ever change. This adage is harder to follow than any surgical skill we perform. We can never give up on our personal growth in and out of medicine, as both are vitally important for our mental, spiritual, and physical health. A vibrant optimism is contagious and good for patients and physicians alike. As we travel deeper into the wilderness, remember that failures need not be daunting and perilous. They can be embraced and lead to learning and success that make us stronger and more hopeful than we ever thought possible. Be bold, be brave, and commit to fighting the cliché for your entire unique career. ◾