"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Sir Winston Churchill
I've come to realize that it's not the best genetics, the highest GPA, or the most relevant healthcare experience that produces the most success, especially when it comes to being a PA or trying to become one.
It comes down to one word:
Grit
What the Hell is "Grit"?
No, not grits like in My Cousin Vinny.
Grit is defined as: "perseverance and passion for long-term goals."
There we go.
More and more research is coming out that shows in school, work, and in life, intelligence is no longer the most significant predictor of success. It's grit and character – the ability to push through adversity, challenges, and setbacks to find a new solution or path to success.
Angela Duckworth, a Psychology Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has found through her research that:
"Smarter students actually had less grit than their peers who scored lower on an intelligence test. This finding suggests that among the study participants — all students at an Ivy League school — people who are not as bright as their peers' compensate by working harder and with more determination.' And their effort pays off: The grittiest students — not the smartest ones — had the highest GPAs."
She also discovered that:
"At the elite United States Military Academy, West Point, a cadet's grit score was the best predictor of success in the rigorous summer training program known as "Beast Barracks." Grit mattered more than intelligence, leadership ability, or physical fitness.
At the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the grittiest contestants were the most likely to advance to the finals — at least in part because they studied longer, not because they were smarter or were better spellers."
These findings suggest that the achievement of difficult goals entails not only talent but also the sustained and focused application of talent over time.
Last week in the New York Times, Thomas Friedman published an article that I couldn't agree with more: "Need a job? Invent one!" In this article, he references Harvard Education Specialist Tony Wagner, "Today, because knowledge is available on every Internet-connected device, what you know matters far less than what you can do with what you know."
So what does all this science and job talk have to do with a physician assistant life, getting into PA school, or becoming a physician assistant by design? After all, it's simple, right? Get good grades, make sure you have the prerequisite healthcare experience, and work hard, right?
As we all know too well, there is so much more to having the long-term success that goes beyond getting good marks and finding healthcare experience that looks good on an application. It's not how much information we know, but what we DO with that information that will determine our success.
Or, in wanna be PA terms, success is going from a blog reader to an action taker.
Instead of knowing all of the answers, instead of chasing the perfect healthcare job to pass the time, or waiting to write that perfect essay, people who succeed get started. And then they stick with it.
My Tale of Grit
I am proud to say that I am on a better road to being proud, confident, and strong.
But it wasn't always that way . . .
- I was cut from my high school basketball team for my size and lack of an outside shot.
- My grandmother told me as I left for college in Seattle that I was "selfish and not thinking of the family."
- I was told by my college guidance counselor that I would never have the grades to make it as a medical professional.
- I have struggled from time to time with depression and low self-esteem.
It wasn't until I adjusted my goals, changed my major, and started to believe in myself that I finally started to have success. From that point on, it was another six years of incremental improvements, setbacks, adjustments, and research that led to small changes and new tactics. I imagine I'll spend the rest of my life learning more, failing more, and trying to discover new ways to improve myself.
To some, this might sound boring or daunting.
However, I discovered that it is fascinating and encouraging to see improvement from week to week, no matter how small they are, to make a difference in peoples lives, to adjust my focus from one of self to "what can I do today to make somebody else's life better."
"Boring" became exciting, instead of blaming the world for what I didn't have, I became thankful for all the beautiful blessings I did have.
I fell in love with small changes and small wins, adding up to significant transformations.
Instead of saying, "ugh, I have to study, or ugh I have to work out (another passion of mine)," it's become "I wonder what I'm capable of today?
Somewhere early in the second half of my journey to a PA life, I decided I wanted to help others feel that same excitement without having to make all of the same rookie mistakes I made during my six years of discovery; I wanted to help beginners see progress and build momentum and confidence from day one.
This project is part of this mission.
I've learned that grit CAN be developed, and once you have it in one area of your life, it carries over to others.
Developing "True Grit"
When I moved past my initial goal of becoming an MD I didn't realize it at the time, what I was doing was identifying the new "normal" and the new "identity" I wanted for myself.
Then I proved that this new identity was actually a future possibility with teeny tiny small wins, building momentum, developing more grit, and perseverance.
Here's how you can develop grit yourself:
1) Identify the new "identity" you want to have. The more specific you can be with it, the easier it'll be to prove it to yourself. "I'm the type of person that never misses a lecture." "I'm somebody who hardly ever misses a workout." "I'm somebody who works on gaining healthcare experience and meeting my prerequisites every day." Remind yourself of this EVERY day by hanging up a post-it note on your bathroom window, or using your phone/calendar to keep this at the front of your mind.
2) Prove to yourself you can do it with small wins. Create a teeny tiny benchmark for yourself to show that you are heading in the right direction. Make it something you can do every day that takes less than 15 minutes. Five minutes is even better. Build a habit.
3) Build momentum by completing the small win every day for at least 30 days. Remember, we have limited willpower, so dump all of it into building this one habit.
4) Once you have established your new "normal," it's time to stretch again. Constantly adjust your new normal, but make the adjustment small so it's not a drastic adjustment. Slow and steady for the win!
5) If you fail at something, make sure you fail differently next time. Failing is not a reflection of your character. You're simply crossing something off your list that didn't work. Move onward and upward.
Physician Assistant Grits
Rule #1: It doesn't matter where you came from, only where you're going.
This is why I love meeting people and receiving emails from prospective PAs or practicing PAs. These are people like you and me: ordinary folks with normal lives and typical problems. They may not have healthcare experience, and they may be deciding between various healthcare careers. They may not understand what a PA does. Or maybe they are a PA student or a practicing PA who worked hard but didn't pass their PANCE or PANRE. Perhaps they have tried every tactic out there and struggled to find success for a long time. Then, for whatever reason, that light bulb went off in their head, and they were encouraged to try something different:
- Joe failed his PANCE: He reached out to those who had been successful, purchased a new review book, focused on completing PANCE practice questions every day, and then took a lot of practice tests. He is now working full time as an Orthopedic Physician Assistant.
- Staci didn't get into PA school on her first three tries: Now she is a 2nd year PA student who is looking forward to graduating head of her class and starting a career in family practice medicine.
- Ryan didn't know how he was going to pay for PA school. He applied for the National Health Service Corps and was accepted after his second try. Now he gets a monthly stipend and will fulfill his dream of working with an underserved population.
These guys didn't set out to drastically change their life, but they knew it was a possibility. They just focused on small wins, building momentum, and building a new normal for themselves. As a result of that, these men and women are forever changed.
My goal with The PA Life is to help you build grit and momentum. I've seen it happen with hundreds of people, and it all starts with one thing: the first step.
This is a challenging journey, but one I hope you're willing to take. There's no doubt in my mind you have it in you to become the passionate and caring healthcare provider you see in yourself, and I look forward to the day when you start to believe it too. Prove it to yourself.
Don't ever let anybody tell you that you can't accomplish something.
My dad always said this, and it is true: "excuses are like armpits, everyone has them, and they all stink. "
Tell me one small victory you've had recently and one small change you're going to make, or drop me a line and tell me what you need help with.
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C
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Stephen,
I’ve read this article before, but now it’s especially encouraging. I’m applying to PA school for the second time this summer. I applied in 2014 and got 3 interviews. I didn’t get in, and then took a year off and had a baby. Wouldn’t trade anything, not even PA school, for my little guy.
Your story is similar to mine in a few ways. I started out in English, but decided in my senior year to pursue medicine. From there, it took me five more years to finish. I couldn’t afford school and had to take a few semesters off. At the beginning of college, I suffered from severe clinical depression. My grades suffered greatly, even failing a few classes. Only by the grace of God did I remain in good academic standing and graduate with a 3.32. When I began sciences, I flourished. I have about 1,400 hours of healthcare experience and 20-30 hours of shadow time. Still, despite all the obstacles and setbacks, I continued pursuing my goals. I suffered a deep perinatal depression during pregnancy and didn’t do much in the way of strengthening my application. Now, as I apply for the second time, I find myself doubting more than ever…am I smart enough, am I focused enough, is my application too weak, can I do this with a baby…? Your article gave me little extra encouragement to say “yes, I am and I can.” So, thank you!! Definitely needed a reminder keep a firm grasp on the grit and keep going 🙂
Wonderful story of perseverance Jackie, doubt is normal and it is good to be reminded that each and everyone of us have unique and wonderful gifts to bring to the table and our future patients. Hang in there and keep up the great work. A recent book titled “grit” by Angela Duckworth is a good reminder of why this trait is so important!! https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111108
Stephen
Action requires knlodewge, and now I can act!
Hi Nelle, very well said indeed! I wish you the best of luck!
– Stephen
Hello, I found it very inspirational reading a few articles on your site however, I am still contemplating my decision to become a P.A. I am a direct entry p.a. student really messed up my freshman year. I am trying now to ‘dig myself out of a hole’ by building up my grades for the 2nd and 3rd years, but nothing I do seems to be helping: I have gotten a private tutor, reduced the number of hours I work, and tried to study more; It seems like i just am not able to grasp introductory courses like bio and genetics that easily. I am afraid now that I will be kicked out of my program and that this will lessen my chances of getting into a separate p.a. school (who will accept a student that’s already been kicked out of a diff. program?). It is also very difficult when I see my peers being able to breeze through the material while I put in more hours studying. Do you think I should be more practical with what I want to do?
Thank You
I’m so glad I came across this post! I’ve really been struggling with what to do with myself. When I first went to college, I had it all planned. I was gonna be a microbiology major, go to med school, and probably be the female version of Been Carson (yeah, I planned on being big time) Lol, then life happened. Now, 11 years after graduating, completing an mba,marriage and 2 kids, I still find myself longing for that career in medicine. After researching many options, I knew the PA route was for me. So now, here I am, almost 34, headed back to school to complete undergrad science and math prereqs with the hopes of getting into a PA program. It’s terrifying when I actually sit and think about it, but I’m full of grit and I’m not getting any younger! So it’s time to stop thinking about all the would’ve, should’ve, could’ve and just do it!
This blog definitely have me a boost to keep on going and don’t stop until I make it 🙂
Thanks!
Now Kam, that’s a pep talk! You rock!
As parents we often serve up a lot of platitudes to our children about hard work, the value of an education, doing what you love etc. etc. You are a great example for all of us here who read your story, and more importantly your children! Hang in there, and keep up the great work.
– Stephen
Hi Stephen,
I’m having a tough first semester and find myself unable to pass any quizzes or exams first 2 months – should I take a leave of absence or persevere? I would much rather finish this program as planned without taking huge financial and timely hit ( postponing my future and may not be able to afford to pay for school again when I come back) I have taken years off so studying correctly is tough for me – I’ve approched other students but every one has their own me this and I feel it might be too late to implement them in order to pass this semester. Any advice on what I can do / say to director of the program?
Hi PA-S
First of all, I feel your pain, PA school is a shock to the senses and it can take some time to develop an effective routine. Sometimes things are going on outside of school that can make finding balance difficult as well, and I am not sure if that is an issue here – such as childcare, family concerns, jobs or other responsibilities outside of school that are making it difficult to focus as is required. The first thing to do is to talk openly and honestly with a faculty member you trust and discuss your concerns, frustrations, difficulties etc. There were two students in our program who took a one year leave and came back the following year much stronger and completed the program successfully. They worked very closely with the faculty and our program director who really helped them make this decision and designed an effective plan for the following year. When you do this it helps the faculty understand the situation better as well and then they can confidently help by either assisting you with developing study habits this year or preparing you for next year. I can tell you want to take this through to the end, and that you have “grit”. Whichever path you choose it is important that you understand that you are doing it because you want to be the best medical provider you can be, not because you are incapable or in any way lacking in ability. The most successful people do exactly what you are doing right now, having an honest dialogue with themselves and approaching the situation reasonably. This is the same trait that the best PAs have. And it will work well for you. So speak with the faculty, be honest with your concerns, this way you can weigh all your options and make the best decision. It is never as bad as you think, and once you discuss this you may realize there are options you didn’t even know were available or they may have some excellent resources to assist you right now.
I wish you the very best, and hang in there! Let me know if there is anything else I can offer to be of help.
– Stephen
Stephen,
Thank you so much for these amazing posts! I am so happy I stumbled across your website. I am currently an incoming second year. I messed up a lot during my first year in college, but reading this lifts my mood. It’s great to know that even though I’m slightly behind in my science classes, I’ll be okay as long as I have my grit! Your website provides so many tips and resources, I know I’ll be on here often! I can’t wait to read more of your amazing posts.
Wow Christy, thank you so much for your extremely kind words, it means the world to me.
Stephen,
Thank you so much for all of your thoughtful blog posts. It is so important to focus the conversation back at the roots of it. Your positivity and encouragement are infectious!
Cheers and thanks for the inspiration to keep on being me!
~Darwin
http://www.dargoeskiwi.blogspot.com
Hi, Darwin love your blog and all the amazing photos. Thanks for your comment and the inspiration to keep on being me!!!
– Stephen
Hi Darwin,
I love your blog and all the amazing photos. Thanks for your comment and the inspiration to keep on being me as well!!!
– Stephen
Amazing blog!! Thank you, PA-C Stephen! I can especially relate to this post!! I am looking forward to staying updated along my new journey towards PA school: I have the GRE, AnP I & II, and biochem to take before I apply. Wish me luck!!
Hi Pauline,
Best of luck! And thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words – I am rooting for you and hope you kick biochem’s butt 🙂
Cheers,
Stephen
Hey Stephen, love the determination you displayed into get into PA school, congrats!
I had a horrible couple of semesters as a freshmen in college, which ruined my GPA.
I showed some grit continuing my education to getting into radiography school. While in x-ray school I had to deal with a drug addict wife (now ex), and still graduated somehow with a 3.05 in x-ray school. Being “married” to a drug addict took its toll on me, and I gained a tremendous amount of weight. I started exercising and completed 3 Ironman Triathlons all while losing 70 lbs! From the ultimate one day endurance event (swim 2.4 miles, bike 112, and run 26.2 miles in 17 hrs, I finally came to the conclusion that anything is possible with grit.
I knew it was going to be an up hill battle as I needed 8 As in future classes to obtain a overall GPA of 3.0 to apply to PA school, but was going to try anyways. I have made 4 “A”s so far and have a 99% in my current class. I currently have a full time job at an urgent care clinic that I have worked at for 7 years. I am only taking one class at a time because of my full time job and the fact that if I make one “B” in a class I will have no chance to get the 3.0 average GPA. My current WIFE has been so supportive of my dream to become a PA, which helps more than words.
I work every weekend and am “off” 2 days a week to attend class, it may take me 3-4 years but I am the Tortoise in the race, I have the most GRIT of anyone I know, and will continue to move forward. My patients have seen this transformation in me and some have lost weight and lowered their BP because I was an inspiration to talk with. I hope the PA schools I apply to will see this transformation through my narrative essay. Any other advice/tips to earn a spot in PA school with a 3.0 only would be great.
Taylor
Hi Taylor, I think if you submitted the above comment as your PA School essay any school would be foolish not to take you! I commend you on your grit also, I commend you on finishing not just one but 3 Ironman Triathlon’s. I did a sprint tri a couple years back and although I loved it, I decided right then and there anyone doing an Ironman was just plain crazy 🙂
Sounds to me like you are on the right track. Your work will lead to great letters of recommendation which are extremely important and since you are working at an urgent care you probably have lots of chances to talk with healthcare practitioners from all walks of life and specialties. Your life experience will give you the empathy it takes to really succeed as a PA and I am confident you are on a path to successful admissions if you just hang in there. Way to go!!!!
Keep me updated!
Stephen
Dear Stephen! Thanks for the inspiring post! Not many good writing like this on the internet lately! I also have to congratulate for the visual used…especially the first one of the kid playing tennis! Do you mind if I ask you where did you get that image? Would be perfect for our little education program for kids.Let me know if you have any question.
Hi Vittorio, Thanks for your comment. You know I am not sure where I downloaded this image, I often place image attributes at the end of the posts but did not on this one. Wish I could be of more help.
– Stephen
Hey Stephen,
Thanks for all you have done to help others. I was suspended from my program halfway through the first year because I failed to maintain the required gpa. Fortunately my academic adviser had faith in my abilities and convinced her fellow faculty members to allow me to continue on. Book work has never been a strong point for me, but I persevered on and received strong reviews in the clinical aspect of my education. I am now proud to call myself a PA-C, but it was not without grit! I have no idea what it is like to be an ace test taker, but I’m absolutely okay with that.
This Jon, is what I am talking about 🙂 So proud of you, and I am sure your patients have benefited greatly from your grit and perseverance.
– Stephen
Stephen, if you don’t mind me adding to your quote. I have heard the quote go like this; “Life is like a camera … Focus on what’s important, Capture the good times, Develop from the negatives, AND if things don’t work out, take another shot. Say cheese! 🙂 🙂 😀
I love it!!!
– Stephen
Thanks so much for this! I had a bad experience about a year ago with a scribe job, that made me question myself a lot and believe I didn’t have what it take, therefore, I would be a failure. However, you inspire me to keep going!
This is pretty much the way life is. I heard a quote the other day I liked: “life is like photography, we develop from the negatives.” or “A great sailor is never born of calm seas”.
In other words the bad experiences that challenge us on a day to day basis are also what gives us the “grit” we need to persist in the face of self doubt or fear or a negative experience.
Let me ask you this… What do you intend to do with a degree in medicine? Do you intend to shower your patients with love and attention? To use your gifts of kindness, compassion and empathy to help people take this short and beautiful lifetime and have better health or more meaningful and fulfilling relationships and lives? This is what being a healthcare practitioner is all about, don’t let people who have forgotten this distract you from your goals.. Keep going and you will change many lives and make a positive impact on this world!
– Stephen
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picaso
Hi Stephen! I am just barely keeping my head above water during this application process, the only thing left being the narrative. I keep finding myself judging the words I come up with and constantly thinking, “They won’t like this.” Any advice on how to get into the right mindset? I have been able to come up with great material in the past for a blog I used to have but for some reason I’m unable to get back to that “place” again. You have been a great help already just from reading your blog!
It usually comes when you stop trying to write for someone else and write instead from your heart. When you allow yourself to stop worrying about what other people think and have confidence in who you are and what you bring to the table. When you can express what some may consider to be weaknesses as strengths that are simply part of the journey.
I find the best essays reveal who you are through a story. Our inclination is to tell, but it is much better to show. Everybody has a story, it’s just that most are afraid to dig deep and tell it. Your ability to tell a good story is what can separate your personal statement from the thousands of others which would be better served as a collection of bullet points.
When I am struggling to go to that place I often pick up a good book, take a long run or listen to music. Often it is in these moments that the connections are made which spark ideas or link experiences into a cohesive unit. The final part is to let those ideas flow onto the paper.
My dad once told me this and I think it applies well to writing your personal statement:
“A picture is worth a thousand words. So when a writer creates an image in the readers mind, it is worth a thousand words. So that means you can replace a thousand words with 1 good story that creates an image in the readers mind.”
I would start here!
– Stephen
Hi Stephen:
The posts I read on your blog, the more I feel the divine led me here. I am in the throes of the application process and am working on my personal statement. I feel like I am in a vice grip of self-doubt.. ” do I have enough hours, enough experience, enough variety, enough….” I also feel like how I started in undergrad casts a cloud on my profile and I dont know how to talk about it in a way that shows I have conquered those issues and grown from those mistakes.
You talk about it just as you did here: Honestly and eloquently! Your passion and dedication shine through. Good schools don’t look for pristine grades and perfectly pressed clothing, they are looking for compassionate, innovative, and genuine people who have an innate desire to help others. Just be who you are, it is more than enough!!!