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“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” ― Allen Saunders
On first glance at the title you may think that an OB/GYN would be writing about some of the recent political commentary on emergency contraception. While I do think that it is incredibly important to ensure that there are emergency family planning options for every woman readily available, this is actually in reference to an episode of the NPR radio show “This American Life”. I listened to this episode on the way to a short vacation at the beach after my residency graduation before beginning my fellowship. The long and the short of it is that we all have a Plan A in life. It is what we work toward and strive to achieve. However, in most all circumstances, there are alterations and we ultimately end up with Plan B or Plan C or Plan D, which ultimately becomes our lives. The profound nature of this simple and true concept struck me.
Having 2 weeks off between residency and fellowship with no clinical responsibilities allows for personal quiet time for contemplation that often isn’t feasible. As I looked back over my life I realized I am on Plan Z, or something like it, and I feel lucky because of it. Had I stuck hard fast to Plan A I would not be an OB/GYN, would not be married to my wife, would not have the friends that I have or experienced all that I have. I tried to think about what habits brought me to this point (note: I am not a self-help guru…these habits have been gleaned from mentors over the years):
- Annual Inventory. At least once a year (most commonly around the time of the New Year) I take inventory of my personal/professional goals. This does not result in a list of New Year’s Resolutions, but rather a global assessment of how I spend the time that I have. Simply a quick check-in to ensure that the areas that I spend the most time are in line with my goals and values.
- A good mentor. When you want to get somewhere it is important to involve yourself in the lives of people who have gone before you. It most all circumstances there is no need to reinvent the wheel, just improve it. Try to touch base regularly with those you identify as your mentors.
- Flexibility. Some have called this being an “early adopter” or an “early adapter.” This doesn’t mean that you give up on your goals upon meeting resistance, but rather that you are open to new opportunities that come along. Try each week to do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
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