Spending Time Wisely

By Scott Kanagy, DO, chief medical officer, Atrium Medical Center

I wonder about all the things I worried about the past two months. Are the decorations all perfect, is the tree straight, and did I remember everyone I needed to get a gift for? Did I have everything my family needed for the holidays? All very valid questions; however, I ask myself if these were the right questions and what should I focus on? How do I really want to spend my time? I also wondered why so many individuals, including myself, focused on these questions mainly in November and December and not as much the rest of the year.

I think we possibly focus too much on the wrong questions and, in doing so, miss many opportunities to really impact those we interact with daily in a better way, especially during the holidays. Instead of running around to make sure everything gets done perfectly, could we take time to be more present with our children, partners, or others we love? Could we have picked up the phone and called a friend or relative in another state? Could we have focused more on our own health and well-being? Gone for a walk, read a book, or did other things that brings pleasure to ourselves and those we love?

I cannot answer these questions for anyone but myself, but I will share that I have not used my time as wisely as I could have this past year. However, it is a new year, and I can change how and where I focus my attention. I want to thank each of you reading this for all you do. No matter what your role is within Premier Health, you are part of our team, and in some way, you impact patient care and all that Premier Health does. Please take some time this month to focus on how you should spend your time in this new year in the best way. Together, we are accomplishing great things in our communities, and I know that in 2024, we will do even more!

Back to the January 2024 issue of Premier Pulse