Weekly Growth

Weekly evidence-based strategies that will help us make meaningful steps forward in our personal and professional growth.

When Intention Quietly Changes Everything

Hey Fam, A few days ago, I stood behind a podium at a national orthopedic surgery conference, palms sweating, heart racing. I was presenting a research project—something I had poured weeks of preparation into—but all I could think about was how I might be perceived. What if I fumbled my words? Wh...

Apr 15, 2025

Benjamin Franklin's Secret To Productivity

Hey Fam! Big update from my world: my son, Titus Allen Smith, was born on March 26, 2025! We’re officially a family of four now, and I couldn’t be more grateful. But I also couldn’t be more aware of how limited time really is. Between residency responsibilities, a toddler and newborn at home, bu...

Apr 02, 2025

There’s No Perfect Time

Hey Fam! Madison and I are just days—maybe hours—away from welcoming our second child into the world. And this season has me reflecting a lot lately about this idea that keeps floating around in professional circles (especially in medicine): Wait until things settle down. Then pursue the next thi...

Mar 25, 2025

The Stonecutter's Persistence

Estimated read time: 6 minutes Hey Fam! Before we get started, a little life update—Madison and I are expecting our second baby any day now! We’re beyond excited…and maybe also bracing for the return of those legendary newborn sleep schedules 😅. A few people have asked if we have a baby registry,...

Mar 11, 2025

The Apollo 13 Mindset

Estimated Read Time: 6 Minutes TL;DR: Constraints don’t limit innovation—they fuel it. The Apollo 13 mission nearly ended in disaster when an oxygen tank exploded, forcing NASA engineers to solve life-or-death problems with only the materials available on board. Their ability to think creatively ...

by JR Smith — Feb 24, 2025

The Truth About the 10,000-Hour Rule

TL;DR: The 10,000-Hour Rule isn’t the key to mastery—deliberate practice is. Simply putting in time isn’t enough; focusing on weaknesses, getting immediate feedback, and pushing past your comfort zone accelerates skill development. Inspired by Peak by Anders Ericsson, I’m applying this mindset in...

by JR Smith — Feb 17, 2025

Adapting to the Digital Age

Hey Fam! Every once in a while, humanity finds itself at the edge of a monumental shift — a shift that transforms how we live, work, and connect with one another. Throughout history, the people who thrive in these moments aren’t necessarily the smartest or the most talented; they’re the ones who ...

Jan 27, 2025

Finding Balance: The Secret of Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand

Hey Fam! I want to share a story that recently gave me a fresh perspective on life’s priorities. Imagine you’re holding an empty jar. Now, fill it with a few big rocks until it seems full. Can you add anything else? Sure—you pour in small pebbles that settle in the spaces between the rocks. Still...

Jan 20, 2025 balance

The Dopamine Dilemma

Hey Fam! Let’s talk about a molecule that’s often misunderstood but plays a huge role in how we stay motivated, focused, and engaged in life: dopamine. Whether you’re grinding through med school, chasing fitness goals, or just trying to get through your to-do list, dopamine is the silent force dr...

Jan 06, 2025

Become the Person You Aspire to Be in 2025

Hey Fam! As we approach a new year, I find myself shifting the way I think about personal growth. In the past, I’ve always started the year with a long list of goals—things I wanted to do. But this time, I’m focusing on who I want to become over the next 365 days. For me, this year is about soli...

Dec 30, 2024

The Eagle and the Storm

Hey Fam! When storms roll in, most animals seek shelter. But not the eagle. Instead of hiding, the eagle spreads its wings, letting the powerful winds lift it higher—above the storm. It doesn’t avoid the challenge; it uses it to soar to new heights. This story of the eagle has always stuck with m...

Dec 23, 2024

The Power of Steady Steps

Hey Fam! Yesterday morning in church, I heard a story that left me in awe—and I couldn't wait to share it with you. It’s about a man named Cliff Young, a 61-year-old Australian farmer who became one of the most unlikely champions in sports history. Back in 1983, Cliff decided to enter the Melbou...

Dec 16, 2024

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Weekly Growth

Weekly evidence-based strategies that will help us make meaningful steps forward in our personal and professional growth.

Weekly Growth

Weekly evidence-based strategies that will help us make meaningful steps forward in our personal and professional growth.

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