Individual Efforts Invariably Change Systems

       The origins of many health-care professionals' problems "are rooted in the environment & care delivery system rather than in the personal characteristics of a few susceptible individuals." 
       Shanafelt TD et al. Burnout and satisfaction with work-life balance among US physicians relative to the general US population. Arch Intern Med 2012; 172(18): 1377-85.
 
     The system is ultimately composed of a lot of individuals. How can each one of us best, most profoundly influence this group of individuals? While "changing the system" may be the grand political ambition, individuals influencing individuals - one-to-one, one-person-at-a-time - is the most common, realistic, effective method (even in the political arena - eg door-to-door campaining). And, the first person we need to change is our self. To paraphrase Gandhi, we bring about desired changes best by embodying these changes. By letting go of cynicism about "the system", we instantly have energy to invest in making relentless incremental changes towards our ideals.

      “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”             Mother Teresa

     With time and persistence, water wears away stone.

     See: http://healthyhealers.blogspot.ca/2012/12/health-harmony-meaning-navajo-wisdom.html

Ordinary magic, on our street, October 13, 2013