Often we are more forgiving of others than we are of ourselves. This is especially true in medicine. We believe excellence requires us not only to remember our past mistakes but continually beat ourselves up over them for the rest of our lives. It is understanding this context that I present the following radical idea:
Everything you do is right.
That is correct. Everything you do is right. Your choices are important especially when you make mistakes because often we learn more from mistakes than from perfection.
So DON’T DOUBT YOURSELF. As a chronic worrier/doubter I know I am calling the kettle black here. But it is an important principle to grasp.
You do more damage by beating yourself up for mistakes than often the damage from the mistake to begin with. Having a healthy understanding of your own limitations should not prevent choices just inform them.
So when you get on stage, don’t, think, twice. Just do.