Compass

If you’re first response for why you’ve chosen this field is ‘I want to help people,’ get out. Is that really the best answer you can come up with? I mean, isn’t that why all of us are here? 

I want something that says “I’ll go the extra mile, I’ll find the strength for each patient, I’ll be the healer that surpasses the outline of my job title.” 

I’m sick of all these paycheck hungry, monotone, static, going-through-the-motions and checking symptom boxes type of health care fakes. 

It’s not that you need to carry the weight of saving the world and curing cancer on your shoulders. It’s not about the big things; It’s all about the little things. It’s the extra time, it’s the listening ear, it’s the physical touch, it’s the confirmation that there is hope. 

A Tedtalk by Drew Dudley on ‘Everyday Leadership’ talks about the “lollipop” moments. He once gave a guy a lollipop and told him to give it to the beautiful woman in front of him. That lollipop not only changed the course of her career, but also gave her the love of her life. She told Dudley this four years later and followed it up with an invitation to her wedding. The best part is that Dudley didn’t remember doing it. He racked his brain and just can’t find the memory. 

The impact of our actions aren’t determined by us, they’re determined by the recipients, the onlookers, those in need; we are just in charge of doing them. 

The greatest leaders do the small things right. They do the small things better. They do the details with greater love! 

There are 6 billion perspectives out there; there are 6 billion worlds. Change a perspective, change a world. That sounds pretty big to me. 

Join the profession if you’re in it for all the lollipop moments. 

Get the hell out if you’re not. 

I’m coming for you world(s)

xx

Riley Makenna