New Grads… they say it’s “who you know.”
Guest article by Dr. Carrie Louise Daenell
When it comes to those most important “first steps” in your career, there is no one more important to really know, than yourself.
What do want? More importantly… what do you absolutely not want to spend your precious moments on this earth doing?
Pause. Listen. Rough out a picture of what your professional life might look like. Then begin… face in a direction that resonates with your individual path and purpose, and take action in that particular direction.
You will make adjustments along the way, of course. You will pay your dues, work hard, long hours, and not every “try” will be a “win”. You’re not going to make a ton of money, right out of the gate, just because you deserve it (and you do). But you can make enough, and build from there.
Know that every ounce of yourself that you whole-heartedly invest in your professional path will guide you in each next step, as you make that path your own.
If creative license is most important to you, celebrate the freedom that comes with “building your own thing”.
If predictable compensation is most important to you, celebrate the gift of employment, that someone else built.
These are important “basic” things to know about yourself… you make these choices thoughtfully- they are choices, one doesn’t typically come packaged with the other.
I remember honoring several “must haves” and “will nots” as I took those first steps. Looking back, they helped me shape what has always felt like “success” to me… that after all these years I’m still excited to go to work every day, still honored by the trust when patients create a healing partnership with me… and still thrilled when they empower themselves by restoring their health.
Everyday take inventory of what you have, say “thank you” and ask yourself “what can I do with this?”
Most importantly- know yourself and respect your own values enough to pursue what’s right for you.
That’s where “success” truly lives.
I can’t wait to see the good differences you will all make in this world. Thank you for making the sacrifices you made in order to become a Naturopathic Doctor. Grateful to call you “colleague”.
Carrie Louise Daenell, N.D.
Dr. Carrie Louise Daenell is a results-obsessed Naturopathic Doctor. She has also worked on the “raw-materials” side of the nutritional supplement industry. Her work is targeted, specific and dramatically effective for Metabolism, Hormones, Bones, Digestion and Heart. She holds a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University, is a licensed as a primary care physician in the state of Washington, and the author of Better Breast Health for Life!, speaker, a frequent guest on PBS health programming and volunteers her service to the state, national and educational institutions of Naturopathic Medicine. This previously appeared in Facebook on her news feed. Reprinted with permission. Learn more on her website www.drdaenell.com/about
