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General Lifestyle

Medical Grind

It’s 6 a.m. and your hand doesn’t quite make it to the alarm clock before the voices in your head start telling you it’s too early, too dark, and too cozy to get out of a bed.

Another voice says that there’s a reason your alarm is going off. You take a deep breath, sit up, put your feet on the floor, and get to work.

This is the grind. You have a commitment. The words normal and comfortable have been traded for unexpected and demanding. You’re in a fight towards a finish line without a ribbon and the reward outweighs any medal around your neck.

On this journey to achieve a challenging goal, it’s OK to negotiate with yourself. You’ve wanted to quit many times, but you don’t surrender. Believe the voice that says “it’s OK you didn’t do as well on that exam” or “you will eventually get through to your noncompliant patient” and “you can survive these last two hours on shift.”

Keep focused on what it takes to reach the next step in the journey. Now that you’ve headed down this path, the transformation is taking place. Don’t lose heart. Remember that this is the grind.

Featured image:
vintage alarm clock / thermometer by H is for Home

By Kaley Burns

Kaley is a fourth year Naturopathic Medical (ND) student at National University of Health Sciences in Chicago, IL. She completed her undergraduate studies in kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduation next year she is interested in collaborating with medical doctors as a member of an integrative healthcare team. Kaley has a special interest in veteran's health, nutritional medicine, and sports performance. As a research fellow, she has participated in clinical studies and furthered her appreciation for evidence-based clinical practice. Kaley is a certified triathlon and endurance coach and a member of the Timex Factory Racing team. In addition to endurance training, Kaley enjoys playing the piano, catching up on reading and cheering on the Badgers. As an ND she plans to aid in the movement towards a medical system with a broader vision and enhanced capability to create and sustain health in our communities.

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