Monday Musings :: Time to Embrace Your Inner SuperHero
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
It's Monday & it's a sultry summer in London.
If you're not on holiday at the moment, you may be suffering from what I call -
a heat-rash.
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Has the weather made you lethargic, grumpy and made you lose your focus?
“When you feel like quitting, remind yourseld why you started”
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I think I speak for all PhD students when I say there are often times when we get disheartened.
But that’s when it’s important to think about the bigger goal, the ultimate aim of your research.
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I get asked all the time what my research is in.
To keep it short & sweet, I usually reply saying it’s in reproductive biology.
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On hearing this, people usually make a few assumptions about me & speculate about why I’ve chosen to research a topic in this field.
The truth for me is this.
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Diseases in pregnancy have been something extremely close to me.
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From conception to her preterm birth, my baby cousin’s arrival was tense and added a whole new spin to the definition: "each and every child is a precious miracle".
What is the ultimate goal for our research?
To reduce the number of babies born too early.
Sounds noble, doesn't it.
Day to day, it is a different story.
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Day to day, it might not feel like you are making any difference. Believe me.
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6 hour/12 hour experiments going wrong at the last minute.
Results showing completely opposite findings.
Or worse.
No results at all.
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I know what it feels like to be discouraged and disheartened.
Remind yourself why you started.
Are you::
- a recent graduate/unemployed needing a job but getting nowhere?
-a postgrad student finding it challenging working through the summer whilst all your friends are enjoying themselves on holiday?
-a newly qualified doctor preparing yourself for the challenges of F1 & F2 & suddenly getting into a panic about how you’re going to cope?!
-or are you just feeling completely stuck and with no direction?
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Whatever your situation you’re feeling helpless in, remember you’re not alone.
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It’s time to dig deep & find your superpower.
“You can’t change the world, so don’t think you can. Don’t even try”
- I disagree with anyone that believes this.
There are going to be people that don’t believe in your ability, your dreams & your vision.
They might be your nearest & your dearest.
They might just be that annoying voice of your own self-doubt.
Don’t believe them.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world”
– Anne Frank
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Don’t let anyone convince you that you’re not enough to make a difference.
You don’t need to be a celebrity to make an impact on the world. You don’t need to be enrolled in anything. You have everything you need already, to do good.
All you need to do is to tap into your superpower.
You laugh. But we all have one.
What lights you up? What value can you add to the lives of others?
Maybe you’re medically, financially or legally trained & have the ability to help others that way?
Maybe you can offer valuable advice through your own life experiences?
Or maybe you can offer something so precious: your time and compassionate heart?
Don’t ever underestimate what it takes to make a difference just because someone tries to convince you that you can’t.
You’re stronger than any of that fear and self-doubt; our superpower lies within each and every one of us. It’s up to you to dig deep deep and embrace it.
The question is::
Are you up for the challenge?
Go on. I dare you to dig deep & make a difference today.
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Love & Blessings,
Ana | The Asian Destination xo
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