Can I Have it All?: Synchronizing the Mind and Heart Sue Piper Duckles Pharmacology, School of Medicine University of California, Irvine

Synchronizing the Mind and Heart  Everyone is an individual  There is no single best route to success  Find your own road  Develop your own balance  Create your own definition of success  Don’t be afraid to be selfish  Be the architect of your own life!!

Be the architect of your own life!  Why do I think I should pursue a career in science?  Reality check:  What are my abilities?  What do I like to do?  How can I synchronize my mind and my heart?  What can I learn from the choices I make?  How do I know if I am “good enough”?  Don’t take it personally  To whom should I listen?  Where can I learn more?  Can I really have it all?

Why do I think I should pursue a career in science?  Whose idea is this?  Mine?  My parents, partner, friends, mentor?  What really are my motivations?  Love science, learning, teaching, solving problems, discovering new things; innate curiosity; money; security; recognition; lifestyle; humanitarian goals; etc., etc.  Admire another: parent, teacher, mentor

Reality check: What are my abilities?  What am I good at?  Challenge yourself at every step. Aim high and test yourself. Don’t be afraid to fail, but learn from your failures.  Honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses. Use concrete data: grades, test scores, evaluations by others, successes and failures.  Consult a professional career counselor.  Ask others for feedback.

Reality check: What do I like to do?  What do I think about while falling asleep or first thing in the morning?  What are my day dreams?  What do I choose to do first?  What do I put off until later? What do I have to force myself to do?  What do I look forward to doing?  What do I do in my spare time?

I like you in that one. It gives you an aura of mindfulness. Pay Attention, Take Charge!

How can I synchronize my mind and my heart?  Consider both abilities and personal likes and dislikes when setting goals.  What are your other desires?  Family  Hobbies  Location  Competing priorities: Compromises??

What can I learn from the choices I make?  Pay attention to your choices.  Learn from your mistakes.  Little choices may be just as informative as major ones.  Make informed choices. Understand the consequences of your actions.  Be strategic. Re-assess periodically.  Know your priorities.  Don’t be afraid to be selfish

How do I know if I am “good enough”?  Test yourself. Accept challenges.  Don’t be afraid to try new things.  Learn from both successes and failures.  Seek out feedback. Accept criticism gracefully, but decide for yourself if it is warranted.  Convert criticism or failure into positive change.

Don’t take it personally  If you are different from the majority, you will be treated differently.  A Transforming Field. The Scientist, May Two scientists who changed genders in the middle of their careers.  Barbara to Ben: “I am very aware of being treated differently. People treat me with more respect. My work is cited more often.”  Thomas to Julia: “In the middle of saying something, the man just talked over me, like I wasn’t even there. That never happened before my transition”.  Learn to ignore minor slights.

To whom should I listen?  Don’t expect anyone to automatically have your best interests at heart.  Remember: Everyone has a conflict of interest.  You don’t have to always please others.  Consult multiple advisors.  Never forget: This is your life and your decision.  Be the architect of your own life!

Where can I learn more?  APS website:   Trainees Site  Career Resources  Mentoring (Mentoring Forum)  Mentor Net: Find a mentor outside your institution

Where can I learn more?  AWIS (Association for Women in Science): newsletter, interactive programs and resources  Institutional programs: Postdoctoral offices, faculty development programs, etc.  Get to know people. Ask about the choices they made.

Be Strategic in Your Choices  Throughout your career:  Evaluate your goals, abilities and desires  Challenge yourself  Understand the consequences of your actions  Pay attention! Keep your antennae deployed  Listen to both your mind and your heart  Seek advice from others  Learn from your own choices  Consider why others succeed or fail  Above all: Enjoy yourself

Can I have it all?  Of course not!  But, you can have a successful life  Take charge; set priorities  Sometimes you have to be selfish  Pay attention  Choose wisely  Act strategically  Listen to both your heart and mind  Don’t forget to have fun