"I will not be concerned at other men's not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability" - Confucius
Sometimes it is frustrating feeling like people do not know what you are going through. Even if others try to put themselves in our shoes, they will not fully understand what it is like to be us. We have to learn to be content knowing that we are excelling for our own standards.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Day 31
“The future starts today, not tomorrow" - Pope John Paul II
I think it is very helpful to remember that we have the power to control our future. Even though there are times when we swear we have been lucky or a randomly amazing opportunity has come our way, more of that has to do with the hard work we have already invested.
It's probably easier to tell yourself "it wasn't meant to be" instead of "I didn't work as hard as I should have". So, hard work and confidence go a long way!
I think it is very helpful to remember that we have the power to control our future. Even though there are times when we swear we have been lucky or a randomly amazing opportunity has come our way, more of that has to do with the hard work we have already invested.
It's probably easier to tell yourself "it wasn't meant to be" instead of "I didn't work as hard as I should have". So, hard work and confidence go a long way!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Day 30
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind - Dr. Seuss
I think it's very easy to get caught up in what other people think, and if that's not a problem for you, then you're very lucky! Basically, my philosophy used to be that I would be nice to people who were nice to me, and I would not let the others get me down. I think that was a good reminder for me, especially since I tend to be a people-pleaser. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but sometimes coming to terms with the fact that you can't make everyone happy will help you from spreading yourself too thin.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Day 29
"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." -Taylor Benson
I know for certain that some of my biggest and best changes have occurred because of letdowns, disappointments, and difficult times. I think it has something to do with not continuing to be in the same painful situation and trying to change for the better. I definitely feel like it is an internal force that is difficult to reckon with, especially being a person who initially resists change. I guess these difficult, uncertain times are helping to make us stronger and we will understand why someday.
I know for certain that some of my biggest and best changes have occurred because of letdowns, disappointments, and difficult times. I think it has something to do with not continuing to be in the same painful situation and trying to change for the better. I definitely feel like it is an internal force that is difficult to reckon with, especially being a person who initially resists change. I guess these difficult, uncertain times are helping to make us stronger and we will understand why someday.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Day 28
"Like politics, all medicine is local. Medicine requires the successful
function of systems - of people and of technologies. Among our most
profound difficulties is making them work together. If I want to give my
patients the best care possible, not only must I do a good job, but a
whole collection of diverse components must somehow mesh effectively" - Atul Gawande
Healthcare represents a culmination of efforts from physicians, nurses, administrators, and an entire team of dedicated people that provide a certain quality of care. A system is made up of parts that work together, and the healthcare system is no different. Atul Gawande has been able to illustrate how healthcare functions optimally through precise and descriptive examples. Providing the best quality of care to patients cannot be accomplished alone; it is a group effort. What Gawande later explains in his speech to the Stanford University School of Medicine's graduating class is that the world of medicine is vast and thus it is impossible to know everything about it. Employing the help of other experts in the field allows us to provide truly patient-centered care. We are moving toward accountable care organizations, and this is just another example of that.
From a happiness perspective, I find it fascinating to be able to solve problems. Working with other people gives us a sense of belonging and camaraderie and allows us to face challenges more easily.
Healthcare represents a culmination of efforts from physicians, nurses, administrators, and an entire team of dedicated people that provide a certain quality of care. A system is made up of parts that work together, and the healthcare system is no different. Atul Gawande has been able to illustrate how healthcare functions optimally through precise and descriptive examples. Providing the best quality of care to patients cannot be accomplished alone; it is a group effort. What Gawande later explains in his speech to the Stanford University School of Medicine's graduating class is that the world of medicine is vast and thus it is impossible to know everything about it. Employing the help of other experts in the field allows us to provide truly patient-centered care. We are moving toward accountable care organizations, and this is just another example of that.
From a happiness perspective, I find it fascinating to be able to solve problems. Working with other people gives us a sense of belonging and camaraderie and allows us to face challenges more easily.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Day 27
“Nothing
in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not;
nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will
not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the
world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone
are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve
the problems of the human race" - Calvin Coolidge
Never give up! How many times have you heard someone say, "He (or she) has so much potential, but they just don't have the drive". Who wants to be that person? It's like throwing away a talent or a skill when you don't apply yourself!
Never give up! How many times have you heard someone say, "He (or she) has so much potential, but they just don't have the drive". Who wants to be that person? It's like throwing away a talent or a skill when you don't apply yourself!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Day 26
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"
Are you going to continue doing the same things that make you unhappy or are you going to take a risk and do what you've always wanted? That's when you can start living your life!
Are you going to continue doing the same things that make you unhappy or are you going to take a risk and do what you've always wanted? That's when you can start living your life!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Day 25
"It is our choices...that show what we truly are,
far more than our abilities" - J.K. Rowling
When I think about how many people in high-level positions make dumb decisions, I find it ridiculous. Many of them reached the top of their classes, attended Ivy League Schools, scored top notch internships and were able to network and work their ways to the top of their field(s). A few years go by, and we hear how they cheated on their wife with a stripper, sent inappropriate picture messages to their Twitter, beat up their mistress' husband outside of his their house, etc....
When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter what amazing work they performed at their company or their superb credentials, they will be remembered for that one dumb choice they made.
So basically, when you think people aren't watching you, they are. Also, it doesn't matter how hard you've worked to land your awesome position, it takes one wrong decision to ruin your career or life. It's kind of scary, and I used really dramatic examples, but it reminds me to always make morally correct choices.
When I think about how many people in high-level positions make dumb decisions, I find it ridiculous. Many of them reached the top of their classes, attended Ivy League Schools, scored top notch internships and were able to network and work their ways to the top of their field(s). A few years go by, and we hear how they cheated on their wife with a stripper, sent inappropriate picture messages to their Twitter, beat up their mistress' husband outside of his their house, etc....
When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter what amazing work they performed at their company or their superb credentials, they will be remembered for that one dumb choice they made.
So basically, when you think people aren't watching you, they are. Also, it doesn't matter how hard you've worked to land your awesome position, it takes one wrong decision to ruin your career or life. It's kind of scary, and I used really dramatic examples, but it reminds me to always make morally correct choices.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Day 24
“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love” - Sophocles
It seems like life is so much more carefree and light when we are in loving moods. Every moment of life is more vivid, more beautiful, and the difficult moments are not as difficult. We don't always have to be madly in love, but we should always love ourselves and have a loving attitude toward others to experience this.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Day 23
"The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that
they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it
is, and the future less resolved than it will be" – Marcel Pagnol
Having studied how and why people make decisions, it was always interesting to explain our behavior. One of the most interesting things I learned was how our behavior is influenced by time. We have biases towards the past and future. Various studies have shown that people view the past through rose-colored glasses, remembering the nostalgic "back in the day" moments as positive and wonderful. An example of this is when we hear people say "you never regret something that you did, you always regret something you don't do". This probably has a lot to do with the fact that we view those memories with a slight optimistic bias.
On the other hand, the future may be perceived as uncertain and frightening. I always think it's good to keep these facts of human behavior in mind and make tons and tons of decision trees to properly weigh possibilities. Just kidding, but not completely!
Having studied how and why people make decisions, it was always interesting to explain our behavior. One of the most interesting things I learned was how our behavior is influenced by time. We have biases towards the past and future. Various studies have shown that people view the past through rose-colored glasses, remembering the nostalgic "back in the day" moments as positive and wonderful. An example of this is when we hear people say "you never regret something that you did, you always regret something you don't do". This probably has a lot to do with the fact that we view those memories with a slight optimistic bias.
On the other hand, the future may be perceived as uncertain and frightening. I always think it's good to keep these facts of human behavior in mind and make tons and tons of decision trees to properly weigh possibilities. Just kidding, but not completely!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Day 22
"We have to teach ourselves how to live, really live... to love the journey, not the destination" - Anna Quindlen
I have to stop saving up all my good moments and looking forward to special occasions because when I do that, I'm missing out on living for today!
I have to stop saving up all my good moments and looking forward to special occasions because when I do that, I'm missing out on living for today!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Day 21
"To be great is to be misunderstood" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote reminds me to be myself and follow my own path. It is tempting to want to keep up with the Joneses, the Kardashians, and whoever else. However, sometimes that is just not possible given where we need to be in life, rather than where we feel like we should be.
Doing what is right for myself means taking a step back and learning about myself through acceptance.
This quote reminds me to be myself and follow my own path. It is tempting to want to keep up with the Joneses, the Kardashians, and whoever else. However, sometimes that is just not possible given where we need to be in life, rather than where we feel like we should be.
Doing what is right for myself means taking a step back and learning about myself through acceptance.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Day 20
- "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails" - Bertha Calloway
- When life hits us with a storm, we decide how to react to it. Sometimes we are not fully aware that we are making a decision, but I know it helps me to stop and think of what is in my control and what I can let go. There are way too many things we already worry about, why not drop some of the things we cannot change for the time being?
Monday, May 7, 2012
Day 19
"A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else"
- George Savile
For me, one of the things I struggle with most is waiting. Society has primed us to expect convenience and instant gratification. And I am not using society as an excuse for my impatience, but I will say there are many differences between the United States (especially the Northeast) and other countries. While I was studying abroad in Granada, Spain, I was shocked to see how important relaxation is. Siestas are celebrated and incorporated into the day, as businesses shut down from 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. In Spain, I had to learn to practice patience, mostly because I had never had to do so before. It was also much harder to be an anxious, stressed out person when I had taken time to relax. This helped me become a much more easygoing, happy person who did not get frustrated with untimely people or situations. Even though I live in the United States and it may be harder to intrinsically be patient, it is a habit that should be practiced.
For me, one of the things I struggle with most is waiting. Society has primed us to expect convenience and instant gratification. And I am not using society as an excuse for my impatience, but I will say there are many differences between the United States (especially the Northeast) and other countries. While I was studying abroad in Granada, Spain, I was shocked to see how important relaxation is. Siestas are celebrated and incorporated into the day, as businesses shut down from 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. In Spain, I had to learn to practice patience, mostly because I had never had to do so before. It was also much harder to be an anxious, stressed out person when I had taken time to relax. This helped me become a much more easygoing, happy person who did not get frustrated with untimely people or situations. Even though I live in the United States and it may be harder to intrinsically be patient, it is a habit that should be practiced.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Day 18
"Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?'. The answer is usually: 'Yes'." - Paul Tergat, Kenyan professional marathoner
In honor of the upcoming Pittsburgh Marathon (I will be running the 5K on Saturday and the marathon relay of 6.1 miles on Sunday), I decided a motivational running quote would be fitting for today. I love running because it is a challenge. It's a mental challenge more than anything for me, because my feet can be in pain, but I will just push myself farther because I know what I'm capable of. And I think that's how runners become winners.
Disclaimer: Listen to your body. Don't ignore an injury.
In honor of the upcoming Pittsburgh Marathon (I will be running the 5K on Saturday and the marathon relay of 6.1 miles on Sunday), I decided a motivational running quote would be fitting for today. I love running because it is a challenge. It's a mental challenge more than anything for me, because my feet can be in pain, but I will just push myself farther because I know what I'm capable of. And I think that's how runners become winners.
Disclaimer: Listen to your body. Don't ignore an injury.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Day 17
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"
My mom used to tell this to me all the time. Now I get to give credit where credit is due.
Sometimes it takes more control to bite my tongue and not say something than to speak. I know how momentarily satisfying it would be to let that insult or bit of gossip roll off my tongue. However, I think that gaining some willpower to control what I say (and don't say) would not allow me to speak negatively, and therefore make me a more pleasant person. Now the next time someone says something insulting, whether they meant it or not, it is up to me how I react to them. If I need a break to think about what to say, I will breathe deeply and repeat "silence is golden".
Thanks, mums! :)
My mom used to tell this to me all the time. Now I get to give credit where credit is due.
Sometimes it takes more control to bite my tongue and not say something than to speak. I know how momentarily satisfying it would be to let that insult or bit of gossip roll off my tongue. However, I think that gaining some willpower to control what I say (and don't say) would not allow me to speak negatively, and therefore make me a more pleasant person. Now the next time someone says something insulting, whether they meant it or not, it is up to me how I react to them. If I need a break to think about what to say, I will breathe deeply and repeat "silence is golden".
Thanks, mums! :)
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Day 16
"Happiness consists in activity; such as the constitution of our nature; it is a running stream, and not a stagnant pool" - Anonymous
Sometimes I get lazy. I get comfortable in how my life is, and I do not see any need to make any changes. If it's not broken, why fix it? But I know deep down inside that some of the best changes come from the greatest challenges. As a catalyst, they provide me with a sense of motivation and urgency to act towards obtaining happiness. I am reminded everyday that if I want happiness, I need to act to make that happen.
Sometimes I get lazy. I get comfortable in how my life is, and I do not see any need to make any changes. If it's not broken, why fix it? But I know deep down inside that some of the best changes come from the greatest challenges. As a catalyst, they provide me with a sense of motivation and urgency to act towards obtaining happiness. I am reminded everyday that if I want happiness, I need to act to make that happen.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)