Progressing throughout life, it can be easy to sometimes feel as though we have not made any significant headway in achieving our desired goals. Be it in our personal life journey or along our career pathway, it may seem as though we are at a standstill, not improving or meeting our desired milestones. However, in all likelihood, we have moved forward! Hence, it is important to measure backward in order to reaffirm and motivate ourselves to both look and move forward!
I was reminded of this importance of "measuring backward" recently by a dear friend, prior colleague, and mentor who reminded me of revisiting my own journey to see how far I have come. Doing so was incredibly impactful and has rejuvenated me in all of my varied efforts. Seeing where I started in my professional journey compared to where I am now has been both positive and humbling. Realizing my successes (as well as the bumps in the road) has reaffirmed my commitment to my career path while pursuing my ultimate goals of supporting others through authenticity, kindness, and a focus on wellness. It also has led me to now further explore the concept and impact of "measuring backward" in all aspects of life.
"Measuring backward" is essentially noting where you started, taking stock of the distance that you have traversed, and celebrating the obstacles you have overcome to be where you currently stand. Essentially, it is seeing your own growth in your personal journey through life. I believe a helpful comparative analogy is that of seeing a friend or family member daily and not noticing any changes in them, versus then encountering the same individual after a significant gap in time and realizing that they are not the same as when you remembered meeting them last! Similarly, we may have come a long way in trying to achieve our own goals through taking small steps that are invisible to us until we look back to day one of our journey and compare it to our current state.
Reflecting through both my own personal and professional journeys, I find the concept of measuring backward to be right on point. I have observed premedical and medical trainees along their journeys face obstacles and feel either discouraged or overwhelmed by the path ahead. Whether it is when navigating how to "become competitive" for medical school admissions or successfully navigating through the didactic, clinical, and psychosocial aspects of medical school itself while preparing for the transition to residency, self-doubt can emerge and become debilitating for some. Imposter syndrome definitely exists and is faced by many, if not all of us, at some point in time along our career. However, it is when reminded of how far they have come, that these same students and trainees are often re-energized to continue with their commitments with even greater conviction. For example, I have seen M2s (second year medical students) realize that they have advanced significantly from placing their stethoscopes in their ears backwards during week one of medical school to now obtaining comprehensive medical histories and conducting thorough physical examinations! It is only when they look back to their early days of uncertainty as novices that they realize how far they have come!
Overall, we can take steps to make sure to enjoy both our life and career journeys and celebrate our small wins! For example, journaling is a great way to note progress through time. Looking back at earlier entries will elucidate all that has been achieved. Additionally, highlighting special moments or accomplishments is wonderful for those times when we need a "pick me up." Another example of how to measure backwards is by keeping track of what has been accomplished with regard to competencies or other goals on a spreadsheet or on electronic or paper notes on a periodic basis, be it daily, weekly, or monthly. Again, reviewing even small gains can be cause for celebration! Finally, while measuring backward, it is important to also look forward. Setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) is a great way to move forward in manageable increments.
By looking back, having awareness and appreciation for the present, and planning for the future, it is possible for us to find joy throughout our individual journeys.
Sending best wishes for small (and big) successes, and more importantly, for wellness in realizing these wins!
Sincerely,
Dr. Vora
Founder, MedStudentCoach LLC
Associate Clinical Professor, Creighton University School of Medicine
ABIM Board Certified, Internal Medicine
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