I’m looking around my house today thinking…
Holy crap.
The kids’ laundry is all over the house in varying stages of being washed. We just spent $600 on plants for the outside that need to be planted and watered or they’ll die. The grass is growing. The garage is filled to the brim with baseball gear, baseball mud, a lawnmower that got wet while mowing and now smells horrible, and a slew of boxes that need to be cut up and tied together. My bedroom has clothes from one wall to the other. A PAER podcast needs to be written and recorded. My plan is to write 1,000 words a day on a new book I’m working on, “PA-S guide to PA school.” I haven’t ran or biked yet today. The Final Step Second edition is coming out in June and I need to create a bunch of stuff still for that and write a few of the inside pages – like the dedication and thank you pages – still.
And on and on and on.
I’m sure your list is the same or worse. It’s not a pity-party. It’s a lesson.
Here’s how I handle this:
Gain a little control —> Get started
Right now I’m writing these emails. Next, I’ll fold laundry and get the living room straightened up, so I have a bit of a sanctuary from the mess and a beachhead to launch the rest of my attack from.
I start in one spot and then move out from there.
Jocko Willink uses the line “prioritize and execute.” Meaning pick something and get to work. That’s how to feel a little control and get yourself un-stuck.
When taking an exam, I use a different technique to feel a sense of control. What do I do? I don’t open my booklet right away. I wait. Maybe thirty seconds. I breathe calmly as everyone is racing into their exams. I sit with it. I’m in control.
Rotations are place where you are constantly feeling out of control. Where’s the bathroom? Should I bring lunch? Who’s in charge of me? Does anyone care if I’m here?
I’m going to work through that bit with you. This Wednesday I’m going to give you back some control. I’m going to give you back some confidence. I’m going be hosting a group training on handling rotations.
During that training I’m going to….
…show you how to be comfortable in your own skin and shine like a peacock at a pigeon convention. I’ve been a student preceptor for almost 10 years now and I’ve seen my share of both outstanding and lackluster students. I’ve offered some jobs and had some removed from my site. I’ve got a lot to share.
I can’t wait to talk with you. I’ll also leave some time to answer any questions you have, so that I can help you exactly where you are right now.
The training will begin promptly at 7pm EST on Wed 5/19. I’m looking forward to it. I share so much of this with the handful of students I precept each year, and I can’t wait to share it with you too.
Here’s the link to register www.physicianassistantexamreview.com/rotationcall
Can’t wait to see you there!
Brian Wallace