“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
– Anne Lamott
While coaching a physician, we started talking about his upcoming vacation. He and his wife had planned a two-week South Pacific trip, which sounded incredible. ...
“Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance.”
―Ruth E. Renkel
It is incredible to look back at your life and recognize the critical moments that led you to become the unique human being you are today. Many people,...
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
―
I stumbled upon the Financial Independence Retirement Early (FIRE) movement when I was extremely frustrated with medicine. Retirement seemed like the best solution for my physician...
“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically—to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.”
―Stephen Covey
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People pleasers are liars.
The first time I heard that quote, I was a bit shocked. As a native New Yorker, I have a rather direct manner of speaking, and it feels more natural to just “say it like it is.” My words are often a little...
“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...
“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
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“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,...
“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...
“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....