# Embracing the Journey: Why Being Good Enough Matters
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Chapter 1: The Pressure of Perfection
In today's society, we are constantly bombarded by the notion of being exceptional. From the latest viral trends to sensational news stories, we often find ourselves captivated by the lives of the wealthiest celebrities, the swiftest athletes, and the most brilliant minds. This pervasive culture raises the question: how can we resist the urge to be the very best?
On my third day in medical school, I was filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation as I prepared to attend a lecture titled "The Medical Program in the Rearview Mirror." Seated in the front row of a crowded lecture hall, I was eager to absorb every piece of wisdom shared by the speakers, who were current and former medical students.
As the session began, we quickly learned that it would not be a traditional lecture but rather an interactive Q&A. For the next twenty minutes, my classmates and I posed questions that ranged from study strategies to the often-overlooked issue of imposter syndrome in the medical field. The speakers candidly confirmed that the feelings of self-doubt are indeed real.
"The reality is that you will see things you never imagined. You will respond, and then you must move on," one speaker solemnly shared.
Section 1.1: The Reality Check
As the discussion progressed, the atmosphere shifted from light-hearted to somber. I vividly recall the moment the room fell silent as one speaker recounted his experience treating a victim of assault or witnessing a patient's final moments. His poignant words struck a chord with many of us, but the session also took an unexpected turn.
#### Subsection 1.1.1: A Shift in Perspective
Initially, I approached medical school with fierce determination, aiming for top grades and prestigious internships. Many of my peers shared this drive, aspiring to excel in leading labs or work at renowned hospitals. Yet, everything changed when we tackled a pivotal question:
"What do you wish you had done differently during your medical training?"
The collective response was enlightening: "Be good enough."
As students who had previously excelled academically and participated in numerous extracurricular activities, we had nurtured inflated egos. However, the speakers emphasized that medical school—and the field itself—is not about being the best. Instead, it focuses on being sufficiently competent for the long haul.
Reflecting on this, I recall a powerful quote from adventurer Bear Grylls: "Don’t aim to be the best. Instead, aim to do your best." This encapsulated the core message from the speakers. They weren't suggesting we abandon our ambitions; rather, they encouraged us to adopt a long-term mindset.
Section 1.2: Redefining Success
The conversation took another memorable turn when another speaker chimed in:
"The finest doctors aren’t the ones who believe they know everything; they are those who recognize their limits and seek assistance."
Once again, the focus shifted from proving one's superiority to genuinely helping patients. This philosophy resonates beyond medicine and applies to various aspects of life.
Chapter 2: The Long Game of Life
As we pursue our aspirations, let's not forget that we are playing the long game—life, with its inevitable ups and downs. If we commit to doing our best, we will ultimately achieve our goals.
The first video, "You Don't Need To Be The BEST," reinforces the idea that striving for excellence is important, but it’s equally vital to recognize that perfection is unattainable. The message encourages viewers to focus on their personal growth rather than competing with others.
The second video, "You Don't Have to be Perfect to Serve," highlights that serving others effectively doesn't require flawlessness. It reminds us that our best efforts can still lead to meaningful contributions, regardless of perfection.
In conclusion, let's maintain our lofty ambitions while embracing the journey of self-improvement. Life is not solely about reaching the pinnacle of success but also about the lessons we learn and the impact we have along the way.