In this episode, we discuss a common source of frustration for many faculty members—the tension between what we control and what we don’t in our academic careers. Learn key insights about how focusing on what is within our control can lead to more productive outcomes.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Frustration with Lack of Control:
   • Many faculty members express anger and frustration over issues they cannot control. These concerns can consume mental energy and impede progress on things they do have control over.
2. What You Cannot Control:
   • Institutional Policies: Although policies impact our work, they are often entrenched and difficult to change without significant effort over time.
   • How Others See You: No matter how hard you try, you can’t control other people's opinions of you. Focusing on your personal growth and skills is a more productive use of energy.
   • RVUs and Clinical Effort: The way hospitals calculate clinical efforts may feel unfair, but you can gain knowledge to better navigate these systems and advocate for yourself.
   • Promotion Decisions: While you can’t control when or if your division chief puts you up for promotion, you can control your preparation by meeting the institutional metrics for promotion.
3. What You Can Control:
   • Your Work Ethic and Academic Output: Grants and publications are the currency of academia. Despite institutional hurdles, focus on advancing your research and writing.
   • Access to Information and Skill Development: Take charge of learning how to negotiate systems and develop the skills needed for success in your field.
   • Building Relationships and Networks: Ask questions, expand your network, and gain institutional knowledge to make informed decisions about your career trajectory.
   • Preparation for Promotion: Early in your career, ask about what is missing on your CV and proactively build your portfolio for promotion.
4. The Power of Self-Reflection:
   • Stop focusing on changing others’ perceptions. Instead, invest in your own growth and be impressed by the improvements you’re making. This shift in focus will often positively influence how others view you.
5. Navigating Grant Writing and Manuscript Submissions:
   • You cannot control whether your grants get funded or manuscripts accepted, but you can control the effort you put in to continuously improve your skills.

Sponsor/Advertising/Monetization Information:

This episode is sponsored by Coag Coach LLC, a leading provider of coaching resources for clinicians transitioning to become research leaders. Coag Coach LLC is committed to supporting clinicians in their scholarship.

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