Worried You Haven’t Found Your Purpose? Welcome to the Club.

Pharmacy all got us here – to this moment. We were so very clear on what we wanted and where we were headed. And then we kept hearing about the many paths in pharmacy – so much so – that we have become overwhelmed with our options. What if we’re not sure what area of pharmacy is the best fit for us? What if we get to APPEs and we’re still not sure? What if we make it to graduation day and we still have no idea? What if we start working and time goes by and…nothing seems quite right?

Let’s take a second and re-focus this narrative. There is a lot of pressure to find our niche and gain clarity on what we really want. There are many supervisors and mentors and professors who are well-intentioned, yet don’t seem to understand that it’s not as easy as it sounds. We are surrounded by classmates and colleagues who seem to have it all figured out. We scroll through many posts which exude confidence every step of the way.

So what if you took away the noise?

What if you took a step back and thought about everything you’re involved in. Get really BIG picture here – think about your job, your classes, your rotations, your volunteer work, your family obligations, and your hobbies. Now focus a little more on the work category – what comprises of a really good day? Who are your favorite patients? What are your favorite type of projects? What really gets on your nerves with healthcare delivery? What warms your heart on the coldest, meanest day?

There will be classmates and colleagues who seem to have it all figured out. Some do. Some don’t. I can tell you that you’re not alone. I’m still on a journey myself. The good news is that we don’t have to worry about anyone else. Here’s more good news:

You don’t have to find your purpose today. Or this year. You just have to pay attention to your likes and dislikes about your day. About your life. The things you like – follow those more. What about the things you think you may like but you’re not sure because you haven’t tried it yet? Well, then follow those curiosities until you taste enough to decide.

Take the pressure off finding your purpose or specialty or niche.

Instead, be the best version of you, right now. Today. Be that person and allow yourself to learn more about the things that excite you. Then somehow, magically, your purpose finds you.

Want to read more like this? Catch up on our last couple blogs, We Are Different From the People on Our Teams, and Managing Expectations: The Skill That Never Gets Old. Make sure you see all of our content on our website, listen to our podcast, and join our private Facebook group.