The year was 1993. As an undergraduate at the California State University in Los Angeles, I finally decided on accounting as my major after 2 years of being undecided, but after just one accounting class, I came to the realization that I would not be able to "crunch numbers" for the rest of my life. I just couldn't get myself excited about that career. Then, I took advantage of a winter break to do some soul searching. This helped me decide to change my major to biology and to try to get into medical school, because I could see myself happy in this field. Indeed, I have had an amazing 15-year medical career and an experience I could have never imagined. Unfortunately, the field of primary care medicine has come to a point where most clinics are fast paced (seeing as many patients as possible in a day), and most primary care doctors are so overworked that they are unable to truly sit and listen to their patients, let alone educate them about preventing disease.
Thus, I made an even bigger decision more recently - to leave a career I trained so hard for, and which provided me a comfortable income. Needless to say, it was one of the hardest decisions of my life - at least initially. It took me a few years to convince myself that I would be able to find a career I could love even more; one that would not stifle my desire to help others. It took a lot of soul searching, self analysis and plain old guts - the guts to take the risk. Leaving the comfort zone of something we are familiar with is not easy. I have had many mentors, and have read many self-help articles and books to find inspiration.
For now, I want to refer you to one book that helped me find the courage I needed to create the new career I have now, as a life coach. It's a book written by a man named David Goggins. His story of conquering unbelievable obstacles (both figuratively and literally) was truly inspiring to me. Please take the time to read this brief synopsis on Amazon, then consider purchasing the audiobook, which is usually what I prefer, because I can listen to a book while exercising, washing dishes or doing laundry. I hope that it peaks your interest, and I hope you find it inspiring, as I did.
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds (book cover photo and link from Amazon.com)
Note: This is NOT an affiliate link - I do not get any money or credit for recommending this book.
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