By Michael J. Zappa, MD FACEP

Ask yourself the question: could you be doing better? Use whatever frame of reference you would like, and I bet in at least one area or another you would answer yes. Undoubtedly everyone has enjoyed a period, whether long or short, when they felt like they have hit their stride, accomplished a goal, and reveled in some personal pride. What did you do that was so right? In the stressful world of today it's easy to get caught in a rut, focusing on just surviving instead of thriving. If you're not at one of those peaks sailing along successfully, or if you are, and you want to keep it going, remember the three “Ps”: positivity, persistence, and priorities.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Stepping outside just before dawn over the past few weeks there is a sensation, a smell, a feeling that quickly floods my brain producing a state that is most accurately described as the perfect balance of contentment and excitement. What is this magic that is happening in my mind? It’s the triggering of my childhood memory of the beginning of summer: another school year was done, and I had an entire summer to do whatever I wanted! It took me a couple of days to figure it out, but I quickly recognized there was no reason not to approach this summer, and in fact every season, with that same sense of opportunity – it would simply require listening to my inner child.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Comprehension of the secret to life starts by knowing the facts of life. No, I am not referring to where babies come from! I am talking about the indisputable facts of life - the exciting reality of birth and the inescapable eventuality of death. When most people think of life, they are envisioning what happens between these fixed points of birth and death. Not only is the distance, or time, between these two points uncertain, so is the kind of life one will have. Neither the situation you were born into, nor your current circumstances dictate who you are or what you can do with your life; it is completely dependent on what you choose.

By Dr. Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Just a few weeks into this new year, has the excitement already faded? Wouldn't it be a better year if you could recapture that feeling of a fresh start?

Think about someone you know that always seems to have a positive outlook; odds are that individual looks at the birth of each day as "new." They seem to have figured it out. They know how to press the reset button effortlessly despite the challenges of the day, the week, or the year that have already transpired.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Try to imagine a list of topics that you could introduce into almost any conversation that would be free of controversy. Top on that list would have to be the value of life, the wonder of the gift of life, the exhilaration of saving a life, or helping truly transform someone's life.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

STOP making excuses for yourself….

STOP believing "If I had been luckier or just had the money to pursue my ideas then I would be…"

START daydreaming!

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Imagine any advice that could be considered wisdom; whether it seems like common sense or a profound revelation, it is probably not complex. Now think about how long it may be applicable…wisdom actually has no expiration date.

My sisters and I are the abundant beneficiaries of my father’s wisdom, from the sayings that were uniquely his such as “there’s no grass growing under my feet” – reminding us not to idle or move so slowly that seeds of grass had time to sprout, to his personal translations of great historical philosophers.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Think of a person you admire, look up to, or perhaps are even a little jealous of, someone you would consider successful, generally positive, or a good role model. That individual does what they do with apparent ease and confidence, from just walking down the hall, interacting with others, or being the center of attention. They are admirable and affable, but not quite arrogant.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Dreams and aspirations come in many forms: from the drive to be the best at something, to lead a victorious team, to be a great parent, or to be that selfless, ever-reliable friend and humanitarian. Many people can check the box of some of these achievements, yet they may remain unfulfilled - reaching their goal did not transform them.

By Dr. Michael J. Zappa, FACEP

What are you doing right now? Does it have your full attention? Is it what you want to be doing? Do you want to be here? Where? Anywhere!

In our fast-paced, high stress environment, too often our focus is on what’s next, as opposed to what’s now. Although planning for the future is an important leadership trait, it creates the risk of being disconnected from the present – even taking the joy out of living.