Welcome to another Letter from the Doc, that’s me!
In your mission to become a doctor, you ask many questions. “How do I become a doctor?”; “When will I qualify as a doctor?”; “Where will I study to be a doctor?” and so on.
But the most important question that you will have to answer to yourself is: “Why do I want to become a doctor?”
Is it for the money? Let’s not beat about the bush, money is important! Very important! If money is your main motive for wanting to follow a career in medicine, then you will be very disappointed, and medicine will simply become a boring job to you eventually.
Is it the status, respect, maybe, dare I say it: power? Also valid reasons and important, but these should never be the primary motive for your desire to become a doctor.
It’s like Tony Robbins says, the WHY is more important than the HOW.
What is the key to REAL success in your career and in life in general?
What should your motive be?
Your motive should be to serve. The key to success is becoming a servant! Not what you were expecting? If you want to be truly fulfilled in your life, you’ll need to adjust your thinking.
Yes, you will be serving your patients and your community. In the final analysis, it really isn’t about you at all! It is all about helping, assisting and loving other people!
And in being a servant to other people you will find real happiness and fulfillment within yourself and the finances, status and respect will become mere by-products of your primary motive, TO SERVE!
I know it all sounds a bit mushy and clich?, but I’m talking from experience.
Listen to some wise words from the 20th Century Irish dramatist and writer, George Bernard Shaw:
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. The Being a Force in Nature… not a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
Do not simply become a medical professional. Become a GREAT healthcare professional – make a difference, change the world!
Dr. Anton
| Dr. Anton Scheepers, BChD, MDent, FFD(SA), MFOS, President of The Apprentice Corporation |
