BUILDING SYSTEMS FOR EXCELLENCE: NOTES FROM THE ONGOING PURSUIT OF HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

Abstract The author is a sixth‐year MD‐PhD student at Yale School of Medicine, pursuing a career as surgeon‐scientist and Olympic hopeful on Team USA Bobsled. As a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, she “joined the Pitt Track and Field Team as a walk‐on athlete. Despite no prior experience, I realized an early affinity for the hammer throw and my sights were set on the school record. This feat became a main priority. I skipped social events to facilitate 5 AM lifts and swapped cake for chicken breast. I trained my mind and body with discipline—and broke the record.” She relates her methods and mindsets for pursuing excellence and high achievement despite a grueling schedule. She outlines and discusses four points, in her words: (1) Knowing Your Priorities (2) Take Stock of Your Skills (3) Hone Your Habits, Automate Your Routines (4) Taking the Leap.