It\u2019s 6 a.m. and your hand doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Another voice says that there\u2019s a reason your alarm is going off. You take a deep breath, sit up, put your feet on the floor, and get to work.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On this journey to achieve a challenging goal, it\u2019s OK to negotiate with yourself. You\u2019ve wanted to quit many times, but you don\u2019t surrender. Believe the voice that says “it\u2019s OK you didn\u2019t 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.”<\/p>\n
Keep focused on what it takes to reach the next step in the journey. Now that you\u2019ve headed down this path, the transformation is taking place. Don\u2019t lose heart. Remember that this is the grind.<\/p>\n