At times, the premedical life becomes overwhelming.  Bad health, bad grades, bad relationships…these are all things that can affect any one of us at any time.  And even when we’re not dealing with these things, in the back of our minds, we’re still worrying about the possibilities of them.  The true issue underlying our concerns is lack of control.  We stress because we can’t control an of these things. In the end, becoming a doctor is your goal, however, so many outside variables will affect whether or not that dream comes to fruition.

So, what would happen if we focused on the things we can control?  Would this decrease our stress levels?  Better yet, would we be able to lay out our own premedical destinies?  I believe so.  Below are three things you can control in your own life that can lead to your success.

1. Control your attitude. This is where it all begins.  The way you approach life from an attitude perspective will set the tone for everything you do.  It’s a choice!  You can choose to be optimistic, or choose to be pessimistic.  You can choose to fight, or choose to give up.  You can choose to see the glass as half full, choose to see it as half empty, or even better, choose to take action and fill it up!  What’s your attitude!  Here’s one thing I’m fairly confident about, winners are positive people.  And more important that is the truth that happy people, are positive people.  Control your attitude!
2. Control your preparation. When people ask me what the key to success is, I tell them it is preparation.  As a matter of fact, I had this conversation with my 2^nd grade son just yesterday.  I explained to him that if he wants to enjoy school, he should come prepared every day.  Being prepared removes that awful element of uncertainty which so many of us disdain.  If you’ve done what you’re supposed to do ahead of time plus more, then you should know what to expect.  Often, we fail to prepare because we tell ourselves we’re too busy doing other things. Typically, the lack of preparation results in us spending more time catching up than had we done it right ahead of time.
3. Control your influences. This means choose your network wisely.  I cannot sufficiently emphasize the importance of this.  The people you surround yourself with will affect your attitude and your preparation.  If you don’t get this one right, everything else may go down the drain.  As a premedical student, you want to be influenced by people who have your best interest in mind and who can help you accomplish your goals.  Take control of who you allow in your life.  Be influenced for the better, and influence others in the same manner.

In the end, your job is to take control of your life and shape your own future.  Be accountable to yourself and blame no one for your shortcomings.  If you are able to control the three aspects listed above, I believe you will do well and accomplish your goals.

As a man of faith, I’ll end on this note.  I believe that ultimately, God is in charge and He allows us to walk our own paths.  We’ll slip and fall from time to time, but those set backs are training exercises building us up for greatness.  With this in mind, remember to say a little prayer for guidance along your premedical journey.  You’ll be surprised what a little faith can do!

I’d like to know, what other things can you take control of that will help you be successful along your premed journey? Share your thoughts?

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