Embedded Files
Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists
Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists
For two decades, I've been developing tools that have improved my practice in medicine, dentistry, and scientific research.
Join me every Friday to discover a new tool you can integrate into your workflow as a doctor, a scientist, or both.
I believe in sharing knowledge, embracing automation, boosting productivity, and finding joy in the process.
Life Update
Life Update
It's June.
The sun is shining, the days are long, and our kids have their end-of-school-year events.
This time of year, I feel like a kindergarten teacher.
This time of year, I feel like a kindergarten teacher.
But I'm not talking about my kids.
I'm talking about my students.
The students I have now, the students whom I say goodbye to, and the students I will begin mentoring soon.
This time of year, I feel like I stand at the door and watch them walk into something bigger.
New beginnings.
Let's focus on research students for a second.
Specifically, dental and medical students who are pursuing a research degree in parallel.
In our school, the 6-year dental and medical programs are divided into two parts: the initial (theoretical, pre-clinical) 3 years and the final (clinical) 3 years.
Between these two phases, students may take a break from their studies to pursue research. They can take 1 year off (to pursue a Master's degree) or 3 years off (to start a PhD).
So let's focus on those who consider taking 3 years off. Many of them are saying to me:
"Isn't 3 years a really long time? Maybe I'll just take 1 year off".
"Isn't 3 years a really long time? Maybe I'll just take 1 year off".
And this is what I always answer:
"You're Asking the Wrong Question!"
"You're Asking the Wrong Question!"
Why? Because the moment you've decided to take 1 year off, you've already done the hard part.
You're not deciding between 1 year and 3 anymore.
You're deciding whether to spend 2 MORE years on top of a decision you already made.
It may sound like a math trick, but it's actually not.
You're considering 2 more years.
And two years, looking back, is NOTHING.
Absolutely nothing.
When you become older, you realize how two years go by SO FAST.
And the difference between a Master's and a PhD is HUGE.
Much more than the extra two years you added.
So that's my kindergarten teacher's advice 🙂.
Speaking on life-changing decisions and the purpose of life - today we will discuss Ikigai.
"Iki-what?!" you ask?
Let's dive in.
Number 160!
Ikigai
Ikigai
Recently, I read a book called "Ikigai".
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to "a reason for being."
Not a grand life purpose.
Something smaller.
Something closer to the reason you get out of bed in the morning.
In general, it is composed of four overlapping circles:
What you love.
What you're good at.
What the world needs.
And what you can be paid for.
Whenever all four overlap - that's your ikigai.
🔵 Do I Actually Fit the Diagram?
🔵 Do I Actually Fit the Diagram?
This book made me think.
Does my day-to-day life fall within the four circles?
I love the work. It's hard, but I love it.
I'm good at it.
There's obviously a need for cancer surgeons and cancer scientists.
And I get paid for it.
By the book's own logic, I should be at peace with all of it. Happy. In the Zone.
🔵 No Time for Tea
🔵 No Time for Tea
But here's the thing.
Every time I picture ikigai, I picture an old man in Okinawa, Japan.
Sitting in his garden, drinking green tea.
And I don't see myself there. I simply don't have time for that.
And I don't see myself there. I simply don't have time for that.
I know that's probably the wrong way to look at it.
Ikigai isn't supposed to be about running around all day.
It's supposed to be the opposite. A quiet reason that doesn't need urgency behind it.
Right?
Maybe it's because I'm not finished. The garden and the tea feel like something that belongs to someone looking back on a full life.
I'm still standing at the door (remember? kindergarten teacher)
I haven't earned the chair yet.
Or maybe I just haven't let myself sit in it…
Stuff
Stuff
📚 Book I Read - Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
A quick read on the Okinawan idea of a reason for being.
Don't expect much research there. It's more inspirational than that.
But it gave me a word I didn't have.
Epilogue
Epilogue
That's it for this issue.
If you received this newsletter from a friend and would like to join Friday's Digest, visit https://newsletter.shaysharon.com
See you next week!
Shay
Report abuse