The other day I found myself feeling a bit discouraged. I had received some news about my medical practice that, at the time, seemed disappointing. Later that day, I happened to start reading a new book. In the first chapter, the author tells a story that occurred during the era of segregation, of a small black child, who was able to stand up to a white older man and get what she wanted. The author narrates how the bystanders were amazed by what they saw. The white man himself was left speechless because this small child whom he thought was inferior to him, seemed to have some power over him in that moment. Basically, the author stated that in the child’s mind, the possibility of rejection did not exist. The power that she exuded over the man in the situation was her WILLpower.
I often hear many stories where people have talked themselves out of their dreams because they start listening to thoughts in their head that mislead them. They accept the possibility of failure. You speak into existence the choice to fail when you think, “I can never be as thin as I used to be”, or “I’ll never get out of debt or own a house”. When you tell yourself that you cannot succeed, you are telling yourself that you do not believe in the possibility of your own dreams. You willingly give up your WILLpower. I watch people feel sad and lost because they don’t realize they have surrendered to their own powerlessness.
The story of the little black girl reminds me that it does not have to be this way. Powerlessness is a choice, one that is largely avoidable. We have the power to create and achieve our dreams if only we continue to believe in our ability to be successful. So later that night, after reading the story, I decided that I would continue believing in my dream. I will speak only positive affirmations as I write my success story because I know it will come true. I challenge you to do the same. No matter what life throws at you, do not give up on yourself. It is okay to become disappointed during setbacks, but you must use that to continue to push yourself.
I want to share a poem with you that my mother used to have posted in her work cubicle. She shared relevant sections of it with my sister and I whenever we might have felt like giving up or felt life was too hard. This poem has served as a reminder throughout my professional journey, and I can largely attribute my successes as a Doctor to this mindset….
Thinking by Walter Wintle
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t,
It is almost a cinch, you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost;
For out of the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can!
Dr. Ayesha Peets Talbot | MD FAAP DABIM DABOM
Co-Founder, Medical Director
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