We have talked about change - now let's shift the focus to another word that we must keep close at hand and that's "hope." In difficult times when the economy is down, it's hard to remain hopeful when the headlines are less than encouraging. But if you have your health, a job, and a place to live, you are ahead of about 1/3 of the world's population. We've heard growing up that it is so important to be thankful for all we have, but often it is easier to see what we don't have and what would be nice to have and we lose focus on all that is right with our lives, our jobs and our future.
The other day, I signed up online for a 401K plan with my employer. It was a great process and the 401K plan itself is a great one with a well-known company with many offerings. But I was less than excited to see the return rate of the investment choices. All but 2 were in negative numbers (and had been for longer than 2 years) and the 2 that weren't were less than 2 points each. Pretty discouraging and I nearly considered not signing up. But then I got to thinking that this big economic situation we are in won't solve itself. It is going to take each of us to do a few things to help us turn this thing around. We have to keep on moving forward every single day. So where do we find hope?
Suggestion #1. Watch President Obama on Wednesday night, 7/1 during his live Town Hall meeting. Better yet, submit a question and get involved. I agree that we can't fix the economy without fixing healthcare at the same time - it is too great an issue and this is something that not only affects everyone, it costs everyone. Let's get it solved.
Suggestion #2. I read somewhere recently that we have to give up all hope of creating a better yesterday. Yesterday is gone, but there is still time today to be the best you can be, make a difference for someone else, contribute where you can, and take a first step of many to have a hopeful, realistic tomorrow. Tell someone you appreciate them and ask your boss how you can help your company be more successful. You may be surprised at the response.
Suggestion #3. No matter your current situation, challenge yourself to create a positive outlook for tomorrow. Rather than seeing things as hopeless, envision that this is a difficult situation and then set out to make tomorrow better than the day before. Ask yourself what should I do next to get back on track.
We cannot undo the past and we also should not worry about the future. The past is gone, the future is not here yet, but our opportunity today is large and alive. Healthcare reform will happen. We have had the opportunity to speak to the decision-makers about meaningful use and we have continued to speak up and our voices are being heard.
What if we all decided that the most important thing we could do is work together as a profession and help healthcare decision-makers realize how valuable our contributions are? What if we help make the point that healthcare reform can take place better with us meaning that EHR systems are in use, nationwide with narrative text? What if we decided that the issues we sometimes take issue with in this profession are really not big issues at all? What if we all finally realized that as healthcare evolves, we need to be right in step with it and engage in the process? That's meaningful use of all of our time. That would spell a very hopeful future!
