Reflections on Personal Practices and Professional Advice: A Doctor’s Insights
As a doctor, I often find myself in a unique position where I give advice frequently to my patients. There are several pieces of advice that I regularly offer, and often advocate hardest for my patients, that I personally find hard to follow. This article will explore these aspects of my practice and highlight the importance of honesty with one's patients.
Healthy Living and Personal Integrity
One of the key pieces of advice I stress to my patients is the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Despite my own daily efforts to adhere to these principles, I frequently fall short. These bad habits include neglecting to exercise on a consistent basis and consuming foods that are not part of my usual balanced diet. By admitting to my imperfections, I hope to establish a more authentic connection with my patients, encouraging them to practice self-compassion as they strive to make positive life changes.
The Importance of Sleep for Health and Well-being
Another crucial aspect of living a healthy life that I advocate for is the importance of getting enough sleep. However, the demands of my profession often force me to compromise on my personal sleep schedule in favor of work. This can be challenging, as sufficient sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, mental clarity, and emotional stability. By sharing my own struggles, I hope to emphasize the critical need for patients to prioritize their sleep.
Transitioning from Passion to Profession: An Artist’s Journey
My practice extends beyond traditional medical advice, as I also work with artists and creatives to help them navigate the business aspects of their careers. These individuals often approach me with ideas for their businesses, and I assist them in creating detailed business plans, leveraging social media platforms, and setting achievable short and long-term goals. I help them understand the importance of professional planning and management, and I stress the key benefits of treating their creative work as a business.
However, despite my expertise and constant advocacy for these strategies, I find it challenging to implement them myself. Running a personal business is far from my cup of tea. The administrative tasks and financial considerations often feel overwhelming and unappealing. On my journey, I had no partner to balance these responsibilities, and many creative entrepreneurs struggle with similar issues. My goal is to help my clients understand the value of these practices while also acknowledging that it can be a difficult task.
Addressing Financial Challenges and Creative Piracy
One of the more significant challenges I face in my professional life is dealing with the financial aspects of my business. As someone who works independently, I find it challenging to define my value and assert it in various professional situations. Determining the appropriate pricing for my services, such as business coaching and social media management, is a daunting task. Many creatives struggle with the same issue, valuing their work and maintaining fair pricing.
Beyond pricing, I face resistance when trying to make a case for the worth of my work. Clients often express frustration that my charges are too high and consider bartering or other arrangements. Despite my best efforts to provide clear guidance and transparent pricing, many artists are unwilling to pay for my services, even if they acknowledge the value I bring. This can be disheartening, as I know the importance of establishing fair rates and boundaries in my work.
To address these challenges, I have made a concerted effort to improve my business practices and increase my understanding of the value I offer. While progress has been made, there is still much work to do. I continue to refine my business strategies and strive to create an environment where I can thrive while also supporting the creative endeavors of my clients.
In conclusion, while I have much to offer in terms of professional advice, it is essential to remain humble and authentic in my guidance. By sharing my personal struggles and successes, I can better connect with my patients and clients, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy in our interactions.