Forever Loading
You’re a dentist so now what?
If you follow me on social media (@_teethmatter), you’ll know that I recently interviewed Dr. Melanie Silvestrini who emphasized the importance of exploring passions alongside your career. She should know, as she is both a dentist and has represented Miss New York in the Miss USA pageant competition.
This notion of exploring your passion is a lesson we’ve heard many times before but I think people misunderstand the message. Usually, people don’t know what their passion is. They’re taught to find a job that they’re passionate about but struggle to and then, end up disappointed.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to know what your passion is. The only thing you need to understand is that your career doesn’t not define you. We are not just dentists. Sure, to become a dentist was once a goal of ours and we have succeeded but that doesn’t not mean we should forever be defined as a dentist. We, as individuals, are intended to be multidimensional. We are meant to be curious, to explore our curiosity and fall into a new talent or a new experience.
This newness can be a transient passion or interest. The intention is that you learn something new. Why? Because as life moves on you end layering these new talents and applying them to that next life stage.
For example, I was once a shy high school student with a fear of public speaking. I didn’t get into dental school my first go around so for work, I did graphic design and marketing for an oral health company. Then, I ended up doing a masters in Strategy & Leadership and now, I’m finally a dentist. But, because I feel dissatisfied with my profession, I’ve started my own podcast, combining all of my learnings from graphic design, to marketing, to leadership to dentistry. My interests have evolved but they have each contributed to this new hobby of mine.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, be curious, try new things because each of these individual experiences feed into your life and elevate purpose. In fact, think of life as a loading bar and each experience adds up to get you to that 100 %.
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