10 “P-Words” That Will Help Your Career Even in the Presence of Parkinson’s

“Enjoy the journey, enjoy every moment, and quit worrying about Winning and losing.” Matt Biondi

“Enjoy the journey as much as the destination.” Marshall Sylver

Introduction: It has been a month since my last blog post. Trips to Arizona, California, Alabama, and Florida consumed much of the month. I spent time with relatives, dear old friends, and played many rounds of golf. The spring semester was most enjoyable but also it was quite consumptive. Life-changes. And I just needed a short break.

10 “P-Words” That Will Help Your Career: I found a piece of paper recently that had a bunch of hand-written words that started with the letter “P”. These words were all focused in the mindset of how to achieve/sustain success in the world of medical academics/research in a university setting. Use these P-words while you advance/survive/navigate/succeed through your career.

At various times during your career, some words may take precedence depending on the situation. However, if you consider the words in the form of a melody, they will all significantly contribute to the symphony of your work-life. There is no doubt there are many other words we could cite that help you navigate work, that allow you to succeed in your career. My list is just a start or an attempt to help you focus your energies with the goal of advancement and happiness in your work world. May this list help you focus and achieve further in your professional career.

Passionate (Capable of, having, or dominated by powerful emotions):
“There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions – in a way that serves the world and you.” Richard Branson
Patient (Tolerant; understanding):
“Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.” Robert H. Schuller
Perseverance (Continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty):
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison
Persistent (Continuance of an effect after the cause is removed):
“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.” Babe Ruth
Positivity (Characterized by or displaying certainty, acceptance, or affirmation):
“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” W. Clement Stone
Power (The ability or capacity to act or do something effectively):
“You must try to make the most of all that comes but also don’t forget to learn a lot of all that goes.” William C. Brown
Prepared (To make ready beforehand for a specific purpose):
“The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.” Elbert Hubbard
Principled(s) (Based on, marked by, or manifesting principle):
“I wish I had been wiser. I wish I had been more effective, I wish I’d been more unifying, I wish I’d been more principled.” Bill Ayers
Productive (Effective in achieving specified results):
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Francis of Assisi
Purposeful (Determined; resolute):
“All life is a purposeful struggle, and your only choice is the choice of a goal.” Ayn Rand

The 10 “P-Words” Could Assist the Journey (definitions from the Free Dictionary): You may have a different definition for these words and you may know of better quotes given for each word. Good! The balance, guidance and focus of each word as they are applied to work is what matters.

I remember reading in 1989 “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey, and found it useful. But in hindsight, my mind functions in a simpler more scientific manner, words work better to focus my mind than did chapters and detailed stories. Covey has sold more than 25 million copies of his book; clearly his description his ability to provide a powerful narrative was most successful – I did learn a lot from his book. However, this list of words simply spells out a way to help coordinate the complexity of a career.

The 10 “P-Words” Work in the Presence of Parkinson’s: I have had Parkinson’s for the past 5-6 years, and I am still working full-time. No doubt Parkinson’s affects each person differently; it allows some to continue to work and others must stop. Some of the effects of Parkinson’s on my work: I type slower than I used to, stiffness takes over if I sit too long, and at times I lose my focus. I remain hopeful that even under the influence of Parkinson’s I can stay focused on education and science until its time. There are many great things influencing my life and work. I want to be in the driver’s seat to get to that point when I can say “I’ve done enough!”. Simply put, I refuse to surrender to Parkinson’s. If you are still working, I’m happy for you. Probably for those of us with Parkinson’s, the key P-words are to stay positive, remain patient, always persevere, and never lose your passion.

“When you are a young person, you are like a young creek, and you meet many rocks, many obstacles and difficulties on your way. You hurry to get past these obstacles and get to the ocean. But as the creek moves down through the fields, it becomes larges and calmer and it can enjoy the reflection of the sky. It’s wonderful. You will arrive at the sea anyway so enjoy the journey. Enjoy the sunshine, the sunset, the moon, the birds, the trees, and the many beauties along the way. Taste every moment of your daily life.” Nhat Hanh