On Setting Goals: Resolution or Conviction?

Mount Moran, The Teton Range -  Grand Teton National Park, WY

A New Year: A Fine Time for Introspection and Reaffirmation of Who You Are and Your Life's Purpose

In the course of the 365 days of a year, we live the roles at home and work that we have set for ourselves. We perform our various tasks, whether planned or improvised, usually without further critical reflection. We sail along until life's events get our serious attention.

For most of my life I had lived splendidly. So it was until what I refer to as one of life’s exclamation points brought my career to a sudden halt. Cancer has a very emphatic way of doing that. Treatment was immediate, the cure took longer. Thankfully, cancer is a thing of the past… for real.

As my storm subsided, I began to think about What to do next. I thought of myself as a Plastic Surgeon but that did not provide actionable answers. I then learned that the answer was to be found not in a specific role but rather in how I learned to find the answers to What to do next.

The moment of epiphany occurred when I realized that I needed to change my perspective about my perceived identity.

The Change in Perspective

When I asked myself What to do next, I described myself by my professional persona. Because that had unexpectedly ended, I had difficulty imagining something else. My identification, my morphing of internal identity with my professional role was beneficial, indeed critical to provide me with the confidence to achieve great things…that often seemed easy. But when my life's work encountered a big, red stop sign, it was time to reflect deeply and develop the clarity that illuminated my thinking.

As I was honest with myself, I concluded that Who I am is much, much more than a Plastic Surgeon. Among other things, I am a son, a husband, a father, a leader, a passionate landscape photographer and fly fisherman…and I remembered that I am still an Eagle Scout!

Further, inasmuch as I am still a Plastic Surgeon, that persona endures. Much like you and others, these are various legitimate personas, the roles to which we devote ourselves. Yet, they are not Who we are.

 A Common Experience

My story is unique to me but variations of it play out daily for others in ways large and small. Yet, the central theme is remarkably similar. It is common for individuals from all walks of life to describe themselves by What they do, their vocation, occupation or profession. It is reinforced from within as well as from our very culture.

I believe that such a perspective is self-limiting for ourselves and others.

I know that it is much too common.

I also know that this change of perspective, of your personal philosophy is at once liberating and exhilarating. Such an evolution of your perspective will reveal to you an universe of personal and professional development possibilities.

Time to Take Action

When we encounter one of life's exclamation points like divorce, bereavement, mid or end of career transition it is time to pause, reflect and recognize ourselves. The path to health, happiness and sometimes our very survival whether psychological or physical best begins with getting very clear about Who we are. I mean our core values that comprise our character.

That clarity of self has a way of creating a certain conviction of the purpose of our lives. And that inevitably illuminates the path we must take to live a life of happiness, health and fulfillment.

My experience and that of others I have helped over the years is, to some degree, dramatic. Fortunately, for most of you it is less so and for that, I am glad. Nevertheless, from my experiences and focused learning these important concepts emerge that I bring to your attention.

I know that such a deliberate approach to understanding and achieving Clarity of Identity and Conviction of Purpose is essential and effective to overcome enormous challenges. I encourage you to bring forth from within you the personal Courage you need to fulfill your dreams and destiny.

Now I must ask you: How would the quality and meaning of your life be improved if you apply this way of thinking about yourself to life’s challenges both large and small, that you must overcome?

I believe that you have within you the resources to fuel the creation of your future.  I encourage you to begin today, New Year's Day, 2020.

My best wishes to you and your family!

PS: Do you want to learn more from me about how to create and experience a fulfilling Transition rather than an unpleasant “retirement” experience? To help you, I provide consulting services tailored to your specific needs. Click here to apply for a complimentary strategy session.

Bunchberry - Kenai Peninsula, AK

© Enrique Fernandez, M. D.