From Chapter 12 “Indefatigable” in Ingredients of Outliers. Super Woman On September 16, 2007, I had to do something I never, ever wanted to do, nor do I ever want do it again. It was a beautiful Sunday in Phoenix. I was sitting in my office with the door to the rooftop patio overlooking twin runways open to let in the warm breeze. I was taking a bit of a break and called Bill and Colleen, close family friends. Bill was a founding partner in a law firm where I am “Of Counsel.” By coincidence, he and I went to the same university. He graduated from law school the same year I … [Read more...]
Hello Extra Mile, Goodbye Comfort Zone!
From Chapter 12 “Indefatigable” in Ingredients of Outliers. What do I mean by “empty the tank?” Well, it’s described in lots of ways: going the extra mile, and beyond; giving it all you’ve got; going for broke; and, to borrow a term from the popular poker game Texas Hold ‘Em, going “all in,” or betting your entire resources on winning. It’s going above and beyond, to the absolute limits of your talents and strengths, over whatever barriers have kept you from becoming the best you can possibly be. Most barriers are imaginary. Most people have greater capacity than they ever give … [Read more...]
Look on the Bright Side
From Chapter 10 “Optimism/Enthusiasm” in Ingredients of Outliers. I imagine that, at one time or another, you’ve read or heard various definitions comparing optimism and pessimism. Perhaps the oldest and most familiar one involves a glass of water (or other beverage), which the optimist describes as half-full, and the pessimist as half-empty.Well, I recently heard of a young boy who turned that comparison upside down. After drinking half of his glass of milk, he set it down and announced: “I’m an optimist. My glass is half-empty.” Told that his view was pessimistic, he replied: … [Read more...]
Learning: A Lifetime Pursuit
From Chapter 9 “Learning” in Ingredients of Outliers. I’m always amazed by the myriad of personalities encountered on any given day in the urgent care center or emergency department, at the office, or even when I’m simply out and about. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to learn a few things from the thousands of patients I’ve treated and the remarkable individuals I’ve met along the way. How is it that some people with serious acute or chronic diseases seem to accomplish so much, are very serene, and always upbeat? Why are some extremely accomplished individuals the most … [Read more...]
PracticeMatch to Host Physician Career Fair
ST. LOUIS, MO AUGUST 18, 2015 The PracticeMatch Career Fair will take place Wednesday, August 26, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Houston Marriott at the Texas Medical Center, 6580 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030. More than 50 hospitals, clinics and groups with career opportunities will be attending from across the country. All specialties will be represented. Attendees will enjoy free hors d’oeuvres and raffle prize drawings. Leslie Thompson, Director of Career Fairs for PracticeMatch says “Houston is an ideal location to hold a career fair event. In the metropolitan area there are close … [Read more...]