Strong motivation is a ubiquitous trait among all health care professionals. Without this internal drive, one would never be able to make the short-term sacrifices required to go through all the education and training necessary to reap the long-term rewards of this field. For many of my peers and me, this internal drive transcends mere motivation and is better characterized as perfectionism. Perfectionism is the ultimate double-edged sword. This trait can simultaneously propel students to become great doctors, while quietly undermining their well-being and satisfaction.

On one hand, perfectionism can be an invaluable asset. This drive to excel pushes students to immerse themselves in their studies, ensuring they grasp every detail and leave no stone unturned.  In a field where knowledge is so critical, this level of dedication to one’s craft can translate to exceptional clinical competence, confidence and patient outcomes. Students who are perfectionists become better doctors through extra learning outside of school, and by consistently holding themselves to a higher standard.

However, the flip side of perfectionism is its potential to rob students and future doctors of joy and fulfillment. The constant pressure to meet impossibly high standards can lead to a pervasive sense of inadequacy. I equate perfectionism to a bottomless pit, in which no matter how great one’s external achievements are, they will never feel good enough. It is important to recognize this tendency, rather than constantly believing that each next external accomplishment will fill that persistent void.

Conquering perfectionism as student doctors requires a shift in mindset, one that embraces progress over perfection. It’s important to remember that our journey in chiropractic and naturopathic medicine is not about being flawless, but about growing and learning from our experiences. We must learn to set realistic goals and celebrate small victories, understanding that mistakes are not a reflection of our worth, but opportunities for growth. Cultivating self-compassion is key; it allows us to forgive ourselves for inevitable missteps and maintain our passion for helping others. By balancing our drive for excellence with a healthy dose of self-kindness, we can thrive in our studies and future practice without letting perfectionism steal our joy.

For more information about what it’s like to be a doctor of chiropractic intern, read Matt’s blogs here.