Last post before the big push of 2008

Today is the last day of winter "vacation"- a break where I spent more than half of it doing work! Tomorrow is the first official day of the biggest challenge of 2008- mastering head and neck anatomy, learning neuroanatomy, neuroscience, the brain, psychiatry, and orthopedics all in three weeks all while continuing to prep for my boards exam. And after my last exam on February 1st, it's 5 weeks of buckling down until Step 1 of my medical licensing examinations. This definitely won't be pretty.

Before the craziness starts, I just want to take some time to be corny and inspirational- hopefully time well spent because I think I'm going to need all the motivation and inspiration that I can get these next two months. Below is a list of a few things I hope to keep in mind during this big challenge.

• You can do this. You will do this. Look back at those workouts for training for the half marathon- they seem impossible even now after you finished the 13.1 mile race. You took it day by day then and made it to the finish line successfully- same is true for Step 1. If you have to, wear your medal from the race while you are studying. :)
• Take good care of yourself. Working out everyday will be a good break from studying. Plus it will keep you healthy, energetic, and less depressed. The gym is a great place to learn your drug flashcards when you are running. Swimming will help you clear your mind and re-focus. Keep it up!
• These exams are not about passing or memorizing details. These exams are about learning all the information that I can to provide a strong foundation for the kind of physician that I want to be. It is an honor to be studying to become a doctor- remember that you are learning to take better care of your future patients.
  
• Play with Olive.
  
• It's only two months. Work hard everyday and it will be over sooner than you think.
• Only say positive things. Do not complain or dwell on negativity. This will only get you down and bring your performance down.