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5 Benefits of writing

Writing has been life-changing for me. It has helped me to sharpen my mind, learn more about myself and connect with some of you who enjoy my work. Today, I’d like to show you 5 benefits of writing.

1. Boost your happiness

Our mind is often focused on negatives. We get caught up by things that go wrong and overlook positive events in our life. Writing three good things that went well in a day increases our level of happiness. This practice trains the brain to notice positive things. In so doing, we create a space to savour goodness in life thereby making us feel a sense of gratitude.

Writing down positive things about our life gives more permanence to fleeting events you might otherwise not remember.

2. Build resilience

During World War II, Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, was stripped of his identity and humanity by German Nazi. He survived the atrocities of concentration camp because he realised he needed to personally complete an important task.

“When I was taken to the concentration camp of Auschwitz, a manuscript of mine ready for publication was confiscated. Certainly, my deep desire to write this manuscript anew helped me to survive the rigors of the camps I was in.” – Viktor E. Frankl

Frankl considered this manuscript as his life work. When Frankl succumbed to typhoid fever in concentration camp, he wrote keywords from his manuscript on scraps of paper to keep his mind alert. In April of 1945, Frankl’s camp was liberated. He returned to Vienna only to discover his loved ones did not survive holocaust. Frankl showed incredible resilience in hardship. He wrote the best-selling book Man’s Search for Meaning that recounts his ordeal. Writing about difficult experience helps us cope better. Engaging in expressive writing builds resilience.

3. Sharpen the mind

The process of putting thoughts on a blank sheet of paper make them tangible. Great thinkers write. They don’t worry their writing might be crap. They expect it to be bad so they intentionally download their thoughts on paper. i.e vomit everything out. Once they have a draft, they edit it as many times needed. The process of editing and re-writing enables great thinkers to organise and articulate their thinking. Writing brings clarity to the mind.

4. Communicate complex ideas clearly

Sometimes we have ideas that seem confusing or difficult to express. When we draw a mind map and lay down these complex ideas, we can see them for what they are. The simple exercise of writing these ideas down and putting them on paper helps us think more clearly. When it’s clear to us it’s easier to communicate our ideas to others.

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    5. Learn about yourself

    ‘Who are you?’ is a question many people struggle to answer with clarity. In fact, most people don’t really know who they are because they haven’t thought about it deeply. Connecting with your inner thoughts and examining life is a profound exercise that can help you understand your true self.

    Journaling is a great practice to learn about oneself and self-reflect. Having spent the last few years writing down my honest thoughts in a notebook with little judgement has allowed for self-discovery. As a result, I have got to know myself better and developed a deeper understanding of my emotions, reactions and choices.

    Enjoyed this article, you might want to check out How GRATITUDE Can Transform Your Life: The Power of starting a Gratitude Journal video on YouTube.

    The secret to a fulfilling career

    So many doctors feel stuck working in a job not conducive to their health and wellbeing. Early in my career, I didn’t take good care of my wellbeing due to heavy workload and the enormous pressure. I was so busy to complete my never-ending list of jobs that I skipped meals and breaks. I knew if I continued on this path, my career was not sustainable.

    The challenges doctors face

    Medics are infamous for not looking after their wellbeing. We kind of know wellbeing is important but don’t prioritise it. This quote resonated with me “Put on your oxygen mask first”. In other words, look after your health and wellbeing first before attending to others’ needs.

    Chronic stress and burnout are major problems in the profession. A few weeks ago, I spoke with Dr Sana Khan, a GP registrar who suffered from crippling anxiety due to the stress and pressure of MRCGP exam. Her mental health went into a melt down. You can watch her story on YouTube.

    Creating the career of your dream

    Even though medicine is hard and requires a lot of sacrifices, I firmly believe every doctor can develop a fulfilling career. Being a portfolio GP has been by far one of the best career decisions I’ve made.

    I’ve pursued my passion for teaching. Being able to do something I enjoy that impacts others is truly fulfilling. Moreover, I have control over my time. If you want to create a future that inspires and excites you, a portfolio career might be the answer.

    I’m not saying developing a portfolio career is easy. If you are not prepared to put in time and effort then it’s not for you. However, if you are serious about creating a career that excites you, think about the benefits.

    Get paid to do something you enjoy

    You could be compensated to do meaningful work you enjoy. Most people are not satisfied with their situation yet they don’t do anything about it. Picture yourself doing the same thing for the next 10 years. If you are happy with that trajectory then good for you. If that’s not what you want then why not do something about it. You are one decision away from transforming your life.

    The World is your Oyster

    Opportunities to develop a portfolio career are endless. If you don’t have an interest, seek experience by trying various activities. During my training, I had an inclination for medical education since I enjoy learning. The best way to learn is by teaching.

    Being naturally an introvert, I intentionally developed my communication skills. It turns out some registrars also struggle with communication skills and need help. I’m grateful to combine my passion for teaching and purpose to help doctors lead a fulfilling life. Finding that sweet spot is very fulfilling.

    I hope this article inspires you to explore new opportunities and get closer to your goal. What is stopping you from your dream career?

    Passing MRCGP Exam despite crippling anxiety

    mrcgp sca

    If there is a stumbling block and you’re not able to find the answer your your CS or ES is not able to find the answer probably a third person can find you the answer so then I felt that because I had real respect for you seeing your videos and your approach so I contacted you and it definitely did benefit.

    Dr Sana Khan

    What challenges did Dr Sana face?

    The final MRCGP exam is challenging. Dr Sana Khan faced enormous pressure while sitting her exam. She suffered with anxiety while recording.

    I’m not talking about the usual exam stress. Imagine blanking out in the middle of a consultation and not being able to review your cases due to anxiety. She also experienced anxiety attacks that manifested in palpitation and chest discomfort. Dealing with debilitating anxiety while sitting the RCA was an uphill battle and she unfortunately failed first attempt in January.

    Seeking support

    The chronic stress and pressure associated with the RCA caused her emotional and mental health go into a meltdown. She reached a breaking point and had no choice but to take time off. She sought professional support and spoke with her GP. Often times, doctors don’t seek support until things get out of hand. Seeking support is wrongly perceived as a sign of weakness when it is a true sign of strength. Fortunately, she received the right support and was able to recover.
     

    After a few months, she braced herself to re-sit the exam. Taking the RCA again is a real pain. The anxiety issues set in again but she was still receiving professional support. She managed to record consultations but hit a big stumbling block in her preparation. She was stuck and wasn’t making any progress. Her recordings were stagnant.
     

    She decided to seek more guidance and support. She got in touch with me and we agreed to work together. We strategised and worked on her mindset, consultation skills and aptitude so she could consult better despite the stress and pressure due to anxiety.

    Passing the MRCGP RCA

    Dr Sana Khan kept going and didn’t lose hope. She eventually overcame the difficulties on her path. She jumped the big stumbling block that held her back from CCT. I was delighted to receive a message she sent to tell me she passed her exam. Her perseverance and hard work paid off. She is looking forward to CCT soon.
     

    I hope Dr Sana’s story has inspired you. I’m incredibly grateful to Dr Sana Khan who agreed to share her story with you. Mental health problem among doctors is unfortunately a major problem in the medical profession that is not talked about enough. If you are currently struggling, please seek support and don’t wait for things to get out of hand.

    If you are stuck and have hit a stumbling block just like Dr Sana, please seek the right support and don’t struggle alone. 

    Need help with your exam? Apply on the RCA Blueprint coaching programme

    Ready to get help?

    The intensive 1 to 1 coaching is ideal if you need support to pass your final MRCGP exam.

    Applications for 1 to 1 coaching are considered on an individual basis.

    Book your Free 15min call

    Resources Dr Sana used

    👥 Professional Support Unit

    🧐 RCA Blueprint Download your Free copy

    IMG Success Story

    How an IMG passed MRCGP Exam after failing 4 times?

    case study

    In the next couple of weeks, my confidence skyrocketed because I could take the history in a reasonable time. Then, I had all the time to do the clinical management.

    Dr Inamuna Beregha

    After failing his MRCGP exam four times, Dr Inamuna Beregha hit rock bottom. He worked so hard to re-sit the exam only to find out he didn’t pass yet again.

    Consequences of failing four times

    Re-sitting the final MRCGP exam had consequences not just on the length of training and the financial cost but also on his emotional wellbeing. Dr Inamuna was given one last chance to re-sit the RCA.

    This was his fifth and final chance. International doctors who graduate abroad find the clinical part of the MRCGP exam challenging. The pass rate of International Medical Graduates is notoriously low 49.6%. Unfortunately, the odds were not in Dr Inamuna’s favour.

    Self-awareness

    After hitting his head against a brick wall, Dr Inamuna recognised his approach was not working. He understood the stake was high as this was his make-or-break time. He decided to get personalised support and expert help.

    Seeking support

    When Dr Erwin first spoke with Dr Inamuna, he saw someone who lost his confidence. The hardship of having to re-sit the RCA for the fifth time had demoralised him but it wasn’t going to stop him.

    During our 1:1 coaching, we identified his areas of weakness and built his confidence back. It was not easy as Dr Inamuna had to unlearn things that didn’t work and implement new changes to his consultation.

    From failing four times to passing with flying colours

    The personalised support enabled Dr Inamuna to take a focused history and formulate a shared management plan within 12 minutes. This is what he said about his progress

    ” In the next couple of weeks, my confidence skyrocketed because I could take the history in a reasonable time. Then, I had all the time to do the clinical management. “

    Dr Inamuna made a breakthrough in his career and experienced a remarkable transformation. Several months after our coaching, I received an email from him.

    “ Just wanted to say thank you for your help. I can definitely say my confidence was boosted after the sessions.”

    Dr Inamuna cracked the RCA with a score of 164 on his 5th attempt. He completed training and is currently enjoying life as a GP.

    The other day, we met for the first time. We had a deep conversation on career opportunities, new challenges and goals. Being able to help and see the transformation of doctors from a place of desperation to inspiration is really rewarding.

    If you need help with your exam, apply on the RCA Blueprint coaching programme

    Ready to get help?

    The intensive 1 to 1 coaching is ideal if you need support to pass SCA.

    Applications for 1 to 1 coaching are considered on an individual basis.

    Book your Free 15min call

    Resources

    📚Books

    Symptom sorter by Keith Hopcroft

    CSA Symptom Solver by Muhammed Akunjee

    🧰 Other Resources

    🧐 Blueprint Download your Free copy

    How to stop living an unfulfilled life?

    “You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it courageously.” – Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

    So many people are unfulfilled with their life. Every weekday is the same. They wake up, go to work, come home, watch Netflix and then fall asleep. The missing piece in their life is a sense of meaning.

    Few people think about their purpose. Exploring what it means to live in alignment with your core values and beliefs is vital to lead a fulfilling life.

    Fewer are clear on their North star and are committed to lead a purposeful life. It may seem complicated to find one’s purpose but it doesn’t have to be. You can make a start today by choosing to lead a fulfilling life.

    A good start is to ask yourself what future do you want. Create a compelling future of what your ideal life looks like. Envision what you are doing in that life.

    Question for you

    Are you creating a future that excites you?

    Want to be happier and more fulfilled in 2022

    Happiness

    The end of the year is in sight. December may be the month of Winter Holiday and Christmas but you may want to set aside time for these 3 important steps before you say Goodbye to 2021. Completing these three steps will help you to make a great start for the new year.

    1. Reconnect with yourself

    It’s so easy to lose touch with our true self due to the day to day distractions. Many people are unhappy and stuck in old patterns. They are lost because they haven’t spent time to examine their lives. We often experience feeling of frustration and anxiety about the future when we are disconnected with who we really are. Carving time to reconnect with yourself is vital to get unstuck and start leading a fulfilling life.

    2. Reflect on the past 12 months

    Taking time to review the past year is an extremely useful activity to not only draw lessons from 2021 but to reminisce the good times and celebrate your wins. Here are some questions to get you started:

    What were my biggest accomplishments?

    What goals I didn’t achieve and why?

    What could I have done differently?

    What stressed me most?

    What has 2021 taught me?

    How do I want to remember 2021 in 3 words?

    3. Plan 2022

    Having reflected on the year, it’s now time to start thinking of your goals.

    Goal gives us direction and a sense of meaning. Research has shown you are more likely to achieve your goals when they are aligned to what you naturally want to do and have talent for. 

    What do you want to focus on in 2022? Think of your short-term and long-term goals.
    Most of us do not achieve our goals because we are not intrinsically motivated or we set the wrong goals.

    How to create SMART goals?

    The SMART method is useful to create your goals

    Specific-‘I want to lose weight’ (too vague) vs ‘I will go to the gym 3 times a week’ (specific)

    Measurable- consider a method to measure your progress

    Attainable- aim high but be reasonably unreasonable with yourself

    Relevant- make your goal intrinsically motivated so it is in complete alignment

    Time-bound- give yourself a time frame that adds a sense of urgency

    To learn more about creating SMART goals, watch this video

    Start to lead a happier and more fulfilling life by setting some time aside to reconnect, reflect and plan for the new year. Most people would not have read until here. If you are reading this, I hope you consider taking some time for yourself to reconnect, reflect and plan.

    The Paradox of Impatience

    In a world where most people are impatient, patience is a rare virtue. Have you ever found yourself growing impatient

    • waiting for a colleague to get back to you
    • not seeing results for your hard work
    • Seeing someone more successful than you

    Instant Gratification

    Understanding the art of timing is important. It allows you to work with time and accomplish great things. We live in a fast-paced society where everyone wants to do things faster. Most people are chasing happiness and make decision compelled by a tendency to seek pleasure.

    We want our needs and desires to be fulfilled immediately. Many people can’t control their urge to indulge in something that will provide instant gratification. Humans are naturally driven to seek pleasure and avoid pain. It is therefore difficult to delay gratification and waiting is not an option for many.

    We all want to get more done in less time. Being impatient is not necessarily a bad thing. What if that impatience was misdirected?

    Channeling your impatience

    Most people aim their impatience at the wrong targets. We’ve all been there, growing impatient and being obsessed with a desired outcome. Focus your impatience on actions and see what happens.

    Why successful people are incredibly patient?

    When it comes to results, successful people are incredibly patient as they understand the art of timing. It is hard to not see progress or results when you are working really hard and giving something your all. Most people run out of steam and give up before they see any results. This is because they underestimate the time they could accomplish their goals and grow impatient.

    If you want to get in better shape (perhaps a six-pack abs), you might not get there in a day, week or month. You might work out for few weeks without seeing much results. Most people won’t see much change after a few weeks of work out and may give up before achieving their goal. If you are willing to put in the time and work impatiently, you will eventually get in better shape. 

    For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

    Newton’s Law

    Successful people understand results come from actions and give themselves sufficient time to accomplish their goals. They are biased to take actions over a long period of time and believe results will follow. Successful people are aggressively impatient with their actions. They have a sense of urgency and don’t wait tomorrow for something that can be done today.

    The probability of success rises over time the more actions you take towards your goals. I will leave you with a quote from Naval Ravikant to conclude today’s insight “Impatience with actions, patience with results.”

    Writing Your Life Story

    Book

    How are you writing your life story?

    The story you tell yourself defines your trajectory in life. As you read this article, you are creating a new story and guess who is the main character. You are the most important person in that story. You have the power to choose what the main character does or doesn’t do. Everyday we get to write a fraction of that story on a fresh sheet of paper. Every good story has highs and lows like a rollercoaster. It’s more fun to enjoy the journey than getting to the end of the ride. Learning about this concept of life as a story has been insightful in creating a life that gives me fulfilment and purpose. It has helped me to cast a clear vision and write successive chapters of my story.

    How old stories shape your future?

    We often draw from our experience to make new decisions. We use the past as reference point to think about the present and future. Experience is valuable as it prevents us from making the same mistakes again. However, not all stories from our past are useful.

    In fact, we may cultivate stories that used to be helpful but are now holding us back from achieving our potential. These stories reinforce the assumption and perception we have about ourselves from a very early age in childhood. In other words, some old stories fuel limiting beliefs that trigger thoughts like “I am not good enough,” or “I have failed before, so I will fail again.”

    Letting go of an old story

    Limiting beliefs are in the way of achieving your potential. You can continue to give power to these limiting beliefs and stagnate or you can change the story. When you recognise and overcome these limiting beliefs, you unlock your full potential.

    Everyone cultivates stories that are not serving them. You can replace an old story with a more supportive story that will serve you. I’d like to invite you to ask yourself:

    Am I ready to let go of my old story?

    3 Traits of Every Great Leaders

    paper boats on solid surface

    Leadership plays an integral part in the ability to inspire and motivate a group of people to work effectively to achieve a common goal. Great leaders are visionary thinkers who can rally people around a cause to bring about change. In this article, we will look at three traits great leaders have in common.

    Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.

    Oprah Winfrey

    1. Empathy

    Every great leader understands the importance of connecting and developing shared understanding with their followers. The bond between a leader and followers is something no great leaders take for granted. Empathising with someone is an effective way to demonstrate you genuinely care about them.

    “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”

    Lao Tzu

    2. Humility

    Every great leader cultivates a sense of humility, giving credit to his/her team’s hard work for success and taking the blame for failures. Humility is a quality found among leaders who are secure in themselves and don’t need to brag about their accomplishments.

    “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” 

    Harry S. Truman

    3. Lifelong Learner

    The world is constantly changing. If a leader doesn’t keep up with his time, he is left behind. Every great leader is curious and always keep learning. Great leaders embrace lifelong learning and make time to read books. They are committed to keep learning and grow. They are not afraid to say they don’t know and ask for help from people who may be smarter.

    Question for you:
    What are your top 3 leadership qualities?

    9 Pieces of Advice for GP Training

    Are you a GP trainee looking to make the most of your training and excel in your career? Let’s explore practical advice and strategies I would give my younger self. I hope the insights in this article will help you on your journey. Let’s dive in!

    Invest in Continuous Learning

    Don’t miss out on the chance to invest in your development. Use your study budget wisely to attend conferences and courses that expand your skill set. By keeping up-to-date and continuously learning, you’ll stand out in your career.

    Get Involved with Professional Organisations: Consider becoming active in the RCGP (Royal College of General Practitioners) and European Young Family Doctors Movement. By engaging in these networks, you’ll connect with inspiring leaders and make valuable connections within the GP community.

    Embrace Challenges and Collaborate

    While setting up “Next Generation GP” in Wales, I faced numerous hurdles, including securing funding. However, this experience taught me the power of teamwork and how to pitch ideas to board members and organisations for financial support. Cultivate relationships and epand my network has enriched my career.

    Start Your YouTube Channel

    Don’t be afraid to start a YouTube channel to share your knowledge and experiences. Many people are too busy to critique your content, so focus on providing value to your audience. Consistency is key, and your channel will grow over time.

    Develop Effective Communication Skills

    Enhance your speaking and presentation skills, which will be crucial when presenting for awards or panels. You can improve your comfort with public speaking and networking, even if you’re naturally introverted.

    Cultivate a Growth Mindset

    A growth mindset will empower you to develop in your personal and professional life. Learn, ask questions and speak with more experienced colleagues. Collaborate with specialists when needed, as this holistic approach can be highly effective in patient care.

    Prioritise Wellbeing

    In busy placements, you may feel overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to seek help and support early on. Your wellbeing is paramount, and taking care of yourself ensures you can provide the best care to your patients.

    Preparing for MRCGP Exams

    Take the the MRCGP exams seriously. Plan strategically and use resources at your disposal to give yourself the best chance to pass first time. The curriculum for the Applied Knowledge Test is huge, focus on high-yield topics and apply your knowledge rather than rote memorisation. Utilise active recall and space repetition techniques for effective learning. Don’t get stressed; stay consistent in your preparation.

    Embrace the Unexpected

    Be prepared for unexpected changes, such as the transition from CSA to RCA. With the right support and patient selection, you can excel in real-life consultation assessments. Don’t prepare on your own, form a study group, seek constructive feedback to identify your blindspots. Trust your preparation and your educational supervisor’s guidance. If you are looking for guidance to sit SCA, you might be interested in our free resources.

    Lean into your Passion

    As you help other GP trainees pass the RCA, you’ll discover a passion for medical education. Organising courses and mentoring others will become a fulfilling part of your career.

    Maximising your GP training involves seizing opportunities, investing in continuous learning, and embracing challenges. By following these strategies and staying committed to your development, you can thrive in your training and build a successful career as a general practitioner.