Van down by the river...

[a_ditchdoc]

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I think some of the best advice I have heard thus far is to sell the television. I am 5-6 years post television ownership. I just determined one day that it completely drains the mind of creativity and I realized that there were useful things that I could be doing with my time instead. Will I care in 10 years if I missed an episode of friends or ER? Probably not. Of course, if I could throw my laptop out the window perhaps I would have accomplished something.

I suppose the greatest motivational speech I recieved when trying to chart my course came from a friend and coworker. I was in school full time taking prerequisites, volunteering weekly, and working 170-200 hours per month on a rotating shift. One day, when I was bummed out about my chances of successful application to medical school, and struggling to study at work despite constant interruptions, my friend asked "What does it feel like?" I asked "What does what feel like?" being a bit perplexed and irritated at yet another interruption. He replied "What does it feel like when you realize that this is what you will be doing for the rest of your life?" I sat for a moment and contemplated it. After a period of silence I replied "I don't know, I will never know that feeling."

So I busted my butt, studied hard, and made the grades necessary to apply to medical school. I accepted my top choice at a medical school in another country. I sold my house, quit my job, and gave away the majority of my possessions. I have little use for any of it. I decided I would rather die living that to live while slowly dying. I am currently completing my second year of school and following my dreams...

So, when things are tough and you want to give up, or you are not sure of your direction, ask yourself "What does it feel like."

Best of luck to all contemplating these major life changes...

 

[thirdunity]

I think some of the best advice I have heard thus far is to sell the television. I am 5-6 years post television ownership. I just determined one day that it completely drains the mind of creativity and I realized that there were useful things that I could be doing with my time instead. Will I care in 10 years if I missed an episode of friends or ER? Probably not. Of course, if I could throw my laptop out the window perhaps I would have accomplished something.

For me, the big time-suck is the Internet. I know that without an Internet connection, I'd probably spend a LOT more time studying. The Internet is like enforced ADHD... makes me contemplate not keeping a net connection at home, but just going to the coffeehouse or library to do my web stuff, because at least then it's self-limiting. That said, I have a laptop and will be staying at my parents' after moving out of my husband's house, and the wireless connection does not work in every part of the house. So that should help things.

 

[jaylily]

I hear ya about the internet thing. Thankfully I don't have it at home (or a computer for that matter) My only access to the net is at work.
I couldn't do it a_ditchdoc, there's no way I could get rid of my TV. I'm a victim to it. Sometimes a little brain drain is good for the soul. 🙂

 

[mshheaddoc]

For me, the big time-suck is the Internet. I know that without an Internet connection, I'd probably spend a LOT more time studying. The Internet is like enforced ADHD... makes me contemplate not keeping a net connection at home, but just going to the coffeehouse or library to do my web stuff, because at least then it's self-limiting. That said, I have a laptop and will be staying at my parents' after moving out of my husband's house, and the wireless connection does not work in every part of the house. So that should help things.

I always find something to do, like trying to look up stuff for house, or research classes I could take, or find volunteer opportunities ... I could go on and on. Then there is SDN on the internet too 😉

 

[jaylily]

Yes, WAY too many distractions. Tonight I'm going to buckle down and hit the books! (sometimes when you say something enough, it actually happens)

 

[mshheaddoc]

We'll see if that really happens. I don't start classes back up till next tues so I got a nice little break from school. Too bad it wasn't from life too 😎

I'm not looking forward to my 4-5 science classes this fall when I start my prereqs

 

[adennis]

Going back to school was one of the scariest decisions that I'd made.. until I decided that I needed to quit my job.. it no longer fit with my life goals and I couldn't take it anymore.. My husband has carried the brunt of, hell, all of bringing in the money since 2002.. I can't begin to tell you how hard it was for me to get to that point.. but I did.. and I don't regret it.. (even though at times living with that decision has been extremely difficult)..

I'll be an MS1 this Fall.. I never thought I'd get in... I had horrible undergrad grades my first time around... second time they were buckets and tons better.. but some scars you carry around forever... I sweated and fretted and worried about it.. the prospect of not getting in... from the time that I went back to school full time until I got that first acceptance letter.. I think the "comfort" came when I knew that I would become a physician no matter what.. if it meant going out of the country, I was willing to do it.. and my husband supported me.. and that was worth more than anything... I applied to a lot of schools.. ended up with 4 interviews... 1 rejection (yeah it sucked and still stings a little to think about it), 2 acceptances, and one waitlist... from somebody who at one point was on academic probation for crappy grades and had no motivation whatsoever to someone who you really don't want to get in her way because she'll run you over... I got in... I didnt' have to go out of the country... I did it.. the determination is what sets the pace...

support helps too.. but really it all comes from within..

So, if you're worried about investing the time and the effort in school and improving or getting good grades... the decision is yours to make... will you become a physician no matter what? is this really what you want? then make it happen...the rest is irrelevant..

If you need some motivation, there's a conference from June 9-June 12 in Washington DC sponsored by Oldpremeds.. http://www.oldpremeds.org.
The last time I went was 2 years ago.. right after I quit my job... I'm hoping to go again this year.. it'll be worth it.. there will be a lot of amazing people there from all walks of life with all kinds of life experience.. some MDs, some DOs, some med students.. some med schools, some ad com members and coaches.. and quite a few premeds...

even if you can't go.. it really is all up to you... make the decision and work towards the goal and the rest will fall into place.. even if you don't think it will.

Andrea

 

[doctorjoy]

Reading this thread has helped my motivations. I took 2 days off of work to really sit and gather myself to see if medicine is what I want to do (If I was ment to do this) For me I am giving this one last try. If I fail this time I am not sure what to do with myself. But reading other posts on SDN- especially the reapplicant and Nontraditional forum, I see that I am not alone and I know that medicine is something I want to do and that I am going to do. 😀

 

[jaylily]

Good, I'm glad you can find some motivation from this thread!!
It's a huge decision, and requires so much determination. But we're all here as a sounding board or to give a good kick in the arse, whichever is most required. 😀

 

[a_ditchdoc]

I remember during one of my interviews the interviewer asked "What will you do if you do not get into medical school?" I couldn't really comprehend his question at first, so he repeated it. I told him I would reapply. He then asked what I would do if I was also rejected after I reapplied. I told him I would reapply again. Of course, he followed it with "what if you keep getting rejected." I sat there looking like a deer in headlights I suppose. Finally after whgat seemed like an eternity I told him I had never considered failure an option and I was sorry but I really could not answer his question as I had never considered another career. He grinned at me and told me "Great answer". Not a rehearsed answer by the way).

So, just be determined and you will make it. Now that I am in medical school I know what a crap shoot it really is. There are people with much lower and much higher scores than myself. Likewise, there are people with much higher scores than myself that did not get into medical school. I kept a running tab on my rejections (including the one I get immedicately following my graduation). Despite the immense diasppointment they caused, in the end I got my top choice of schools.

Just keep working toward your goals, you WIll make it...

 

[mshheaddoc]

I remember during one of my interviews the interviewer asked "What will you do if you do not get into medical school?" I couldn't really comprehend his question at first, so he repeated it. I told him I would reapply. He then asked what I would do if I was also rejected after I reapplied. I told him I would reapply again. Of course, he followed it with "what if you keep getting rejected." I sat there looking like a deer in headlights I suppose. Finally after whgat seemed like an eternity I told him I had never considered failure an option and I was sorry but I really could not answer his question as I had never considered another career. He grinned at me and told me "Great answer". Not a rehearsed answer by the way).

So, just be determined and you will make it. Now that I am in medical school I know what a crap shoot it really is. There are people with much lower and much higher scores than myself. Likewise, there are people with much higher scores than myself that did not get into medical school. I kept a running tab on my rejections (including the one I get immedicately following my graduation). Despite the immense diasppointment they caused, in the end I got my top choice of schools.

Just keep working toward your goals, you WIll make it...

Good answer! That is what I would have said as well. The interviews I think I have a chance to sell myself and I do that pretty well I feel. My well-rounded abilities and work experience has taught me alot. I learned what time management is with working full time and going to MBA school full time. Its your limits that will only hold you back. I'm excited to take on the world 😀


*as head deflates when an admissions counsel pricks my head*

 

[MJB]

I've found that motivation for studying has not been a problem thus far....however, my motivation for my job is at an all time low...just don't give a $hit at all....

😕

 

[mshheaddoc]

I've found that motivation for studying has not been a problem thus far....however, my motivation for my job is at an all time low...just don't give a $hit at all....

😕

ME TOO! But i'm done in 2 weeks so i can't complain.

 

[doctorjoy]

Each day I grow more and more dislike for my job. I think it has something to do with the people I am working with. The students I love. Some of the professors on the other hand I want to bash their heads in. 😡 😡 I am just venting becuase my mood has been changed totally and it has a great affect on my studying for the MCAT. Everytime I have an encounter with especially one professor, I know that I can not stay this job. Plus I think I have waited to long to move on. I do not want to become complacent for where I am now. I know there is more for me to do. Ok I feel a little bit better now.

Congratulations to all nontrads who did well on their MCAT

 

[jjmcentee@hotma]

Unplug your TV, and put it in your closet. Or if you're daring, donate it to the Salvation Army.

I don't even own a TV--never mind feeling unmotivated; I think that the drivel that passes for television entertainment just about sucks away my entire will to live. 😛

My feeling exactly, since I finished my premed work, I have simply been working FT, fixing my house, and watching TV till 2am, and posting on this dang SND, I check my email like a 25 times a day. I'm going absolutly mad. I don't have the history channel, PBS is my only salvation and charlie Rose has been drinking a little too much lately. I'm going crazy, really, crazy. School save me!

jim

 

[jjmcentee@hotma]

And that is exactly why I have to carry on with med school. If I wasn;t doing this, my life would be doomed to that exact routine for the rest of my life.

That I can't live with.