“I Am Speed”: The Mindset Shift That Helps Physicians Reclaim Time and Confidence

One of my favorite movies is “Cars”. It is about how the main character, Lightning McQueen, went to a small town and discovered that there was more to winning a race. It is more important to experience and be present in the journey. While he believed he was invincible, he discovered there were more challenges out in the world. In the journey of his training, he became the best version of himself by enjoying the journey and by believing in himself. Some of his famous quotes are: “Focus. Speed. I am speed”, “faster than fast, quicker than quick”.

What I learned from this imaginative character is that, no matter what we do, focus on it. Laser focus. When you are doing that one thing, concentrate on that and that alone. As physicians, if you are in the clinic seeing patients, focus on that alone, even with distractions.

You may wonder what to focus on. This is a critical realization and decision. Without a clear idea of what to focus on, you either focus on something that is not helpful for your cause, or unable to focus at all. Lightning McQueen focused on speed. What is your focus? For most physicians, I believe it is excellent patient care with efficiency. Your goal is where your focus lies. With a clear goal, you know where to put your focus and energy.

Focus on your goal, which means that you are clear on what it is. Lightning McQueen then did something extra. Besides focusing on speed, on being fast, he believes that he is fast. “I am speed”, and he describes it as “faster than fast, quicker than quick”.

For many of the physicians I have coached on work efficiency, one of the biggest challenges they face was to believe. Yes, they want to leave work on time. Yes, they want to be more efficient. Yet, it is difficult to envision that new reality. To have more help with seeing that what you want is possible, practice visualizing it. Practice it every day. Imagine what life is like when you get to leave work on time. Imagine what it is like when you are not bringing work home. Be as detailed as possible. It may help if you write down your vision.

It takes courage to believe in something that is not your reality – yet. The more you tell yourself who you want to be, the more you visualize that future preferred version of you, the easier it is to believe that will be your reality. Decide who you want to be. Determine your goal. Allow yourself to believe it, even though you are not there yet. If you do not believe that it is possible, what you want will not become your reality.

Believe before figuring out the strategy to achieve your goal. The more you can see clearly your preferred future, the closer you are to achieving your goal. When you have enough belief in achieving your goal, it is just a matter of time.

Before figuring out the physical strategies of how to achieve your goal, focus. Focus on what you really want. Keep your goal simple. Practice the belief. Just as Lightning McQueen tells himself “I am speed”, it is essential for you to focus on who you want to be. Believe that you can be that person. Practice believing that you are already that version of yourself. The more you tell yourself, the more you practice, the better you believe – it also means that you are that much closer to achieving your goal. Sure, doubt likes to show up at any time. Doubt can be sneaky, and strips you of your belief. Doubt comes up all the time. Let doubt be – acknowledge its existence while you dial down its intensity. It is always a work in progress. Of course, when you practice your belief enough times, your vision naturally goes to the desired version of yourself. Then you can figure out how to be “faster than fast, quicker than quick”.