Written by: Christiaan Partridge, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Being a Family Doctor in the UK is a considerable challenge in the present climate, especially being a partner in a practice. For the past few years, partly due to stress, I have worked part-time, allowing me to develop my passion for photography, recently completing a degree in the subject. My interests in Therapeutic Photography and the therapeutic processes involved in my Landscape photography have helped me control my stress levels. In my leisure time, I also Chair the village cricket club and a local football club, as well as coaching the youth sections in both sports. I am frequently asked how I fit everything in, and in the past, I have yet to consider how I manage all these activities.
Being invited to contribute to this platform has allowed me to reflect on my work, photography and activities and how I have fitted these all in with family life.
1. Being organized
When I have asked friends and colleagues, they commonly reply that this is my strongest trait and is critical to completing many tasks promptly. I will often set a list of goals to complete for the day or week, which I will work through systematically. Of course, when I am at the surgery, my workload can be very unpredictable and variable, which requires an over-estimate of the time needed to complete any task.
2. Prioritize
With any list of tasks, some are more important than others, and some have much tighter deadlines. Recognising what needs to be done first is often essential; I often have an ordered list from which I work. However, I also recognise that it can appear overwhelming on some days, and I would recommend taking a step back to reflect upon which of the day’s tasks could be completed quickly. Getting the small wins by completing something less complicated can boost confidence and satisfaction, leading to bigger wins.
3. Efficiency
In several circumstances, efficiency doesn’t necessarily mean quickly, but thoroughly and with minimal setbacks. Researching the correct procedures, preparing correctly, and contacting the correct people or departments saves time and effort. A small amount of research goes a long way and links to my next point below.
4. Knowledge
The knowledge gained from the research is often invaluable and helps find the right people, forms, websites, or links. Being the local family doctor and a respected member of the local community has opened many doors, particularly for local sports club sponsorship and investment. It is a case of who you know and making the right connections. Forming those relationships and making those connections means getting along with many other people, knowing how to relate to them, wording letters and application forms, and saying the right things. This is how you present yourself in the best light and gain a valuable network of contacts.
5. Discipline
I think discipline is vital to a lot of success in life, not just wanting to do something or having willpower, but the drive to do what needs to be done, even when we don’t feel like it. This is what drives my other traits listed above, and without which, I would not be able to have successfully achieved my degrees or coaching qualifications.
6. Self-investment
Knowing that you have done something to the best of your ability and completing tasks within a given timescale is hugely satisfying. Building on success and focussing on the positive outcomes will drive more success. That’s not to say we should recognise any negatives but to use them as learning points. But I also need time out from my busy schedules; I always go for a walk in the middle of my working day to refresh and reset for the challenges ahead. Family time is also essential, as is my photography, which makes me concentrate on the moment and forget about the noise of everyday life. I chose to extend and improve my photography knowledge and skills, pushing myself to take on projects I initially wasn’t comfortable doing. Still, I have conquered my fears and become a very successful photographer. I enjoy what I do and feel a sense of outstanding achievement. Concerning sports, I wish to pass on my knowledge and skills to the next generation so they can have opportunities that were not open to me.
I accept that I am highly driven, have good connections and have a keen insight into where and how to find the resources I need to complete tasks. A ubiquitous adage is that if you want something done, ask a busy person.
As I look on my study wall writing this article, I want to finish with a quote from a picture hanging there from The Connor Brothers.
“Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those of us who are doing it.”
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Christiaan Partridge, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Christiaan Partridge is a Family Doctor, Photographer, football coach and cricket coach. Having picked up a camera at a relatively late stage in life, Christiaan has recently achieved a First Class Honours degree in Photography via the University of Chester. For the past 7 years, he has been a youth football coach and also an ECB Core Cricket Coach. Christiaan also has vast experience in running amateur sports clubs, specializes manly in Landscape Photography, with a particular interest in Therapeutic Photography to treat minor mental illness.
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