Hey Fam!
When you’re on top of your game, the last thing you want to think about is change. But true growth often requires recognizing potential blind spots—especially when everything seems to be going well. In this issue, I’m reflecting on a powerful story I recently learned about Tiger Woods, who didn’t just become the best golfer in the world once, but twice. And in doing so, he taught a profound lesson about adaptability and the willingness to pause success to build a stronger future.
Tiger’s Path to Reinvention: Changing a Winning Formula
In the prime of his career, Tiger Woods had already earned elite status. He dominated every competition, capturing major after major. Then, something unexpected happened: Tiger decided to change his golf swing.
This change wasn’t about instant results; in fact, it was a move that risked his current success for the potential of something more sustainable in the long term. Tiger recognized that, while his swing was powerful enough to win championships now, it might limit his game or even harm him later. So he made the tough choice to step back, allowing himself time to master a new swing. This shift led to one of the longest periods without a major win he would experience in his career. Yet, his perseverance and willingness to adapt ultimately paid off, allowing him to return to the top and go on one of the most legendary runs in all of sports.
Lessons from Tiger: Embracing Change in the Midst of Success
Tiger’s decision to overhaul his swing mid-career is an incredible example of what it means to play the long game. His story reminds us that sometimes, the path to sustained success requires taking a step back, recognizing weaknesses, and embracing change—even when you’re winning.
As a resident, I’m taking this lesson to heart. Residency is packed with new skills, new pressures, and endless things to learn. Sometimes, I notice small deficiencies in my work—things I can often compensate for now. But Tiger’s story pushes me to address them early so they don’t create issues in the future. I’ve started to intentionally focus on small adjustments in my technique, interactions with patients, and knowledge base, knowing that each change, however small, strengthens the foundation I’m building.
Making Change Work for You: Building on Tiger’s Blueprint
Here are a few ways you can leverage the power of “playing the long game” in your own life:
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Evaluate Your Strengths—And Weaknesses
It’s easy to focus on what’s working well, but sometimes our greatest growth comes from identifying what could use improvement. Take a few minutes to list one or two small areas where you could be even stronger. -
Set a Long-Term Goal and Break It Down
Big changes can feel overwhelming, but if you approach them with a clear, gradual plan, they’ll feel achievable. Think of a specific goal you have for the future and break it down into small, manageable actions that you can work on each day. -
Embrace Setbacks as Part of the Process
Growth isn’t linear. Just like Tiger faced losses during his transformation, taking a step back doesn’t mean failure—it means you’re investing in a better future. Remind yourself that temporary setbacks are all part of creating lasting, meaningful change.
Inspiration for the Week
Here are a few quotes that resonated with me while working on this issue. I hope they’ll inspire you, too:
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“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
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“Change is the end result of all true learning.” – Leo Buscaglia
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“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” – Albert Einstein
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JR
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