Purpose at the Crossroads: Story and Reflection

It’s at the crossroads—between opportunity and discernment—that purpose gets tested.

- A resident deciding between a desired fellowship and staying in a community they love that may not utilize that training.

- A faculty member torn between taking on a leadership role or focusing their energy on mentoring and clinical work that deeply fulfills them.

 - Me, staring at an opportunity and asking: Does this align with my purpose—which includes what’s needed of me—not just what excites me?

When I was invited to lead the Alaska GME Council Working Group, I paused to run it through my own purpose framework—the one I walk others through (you can revisit the blog linkhttps://www.joyinfamilymedicine.com/blog/week-3-crafting-your-own-purpose-in-career-statement). My purpose centers on helping others make meaningful progress toward their goals and improving all facets of their health in work and life through medicine, education, and coaching. I care deeply about physician well-being, excellence in primary care, access to care for all, and giving people hope.

So did this proposal align? Yes. It tapped into my strengths and experience. It allowed me to use coaching to help launch a council that could stabilize and expand quality education—with integrated well-being initiatives—so all Alaskans have better access to care - needs I care about. It was a full yes.

But when the conversation shifted to me leading the Council itself once formed, I had to step back and re-evaluate. Would I enjoy it? Yes. Would I grow? Yes. But was it what the Council and our state’s current and future GME programs needed from me— to become the face of the council - especially knowing I’ll be moving out of Alaska less than a year later? No. It wasn’t.

The me-lens matters. We absolutely need to consider our time, well-being, energy, priorities and what excites us and brings us meaning. And—when we also ask what’s needed from us—we get closer to purpose.

So I’ve made a different kind of yes. I’ll use my team coaching skills to help transition me out of the leadership role and stand up the Council, support the group, and contribute all I can to support the best leader and processes for what comes next.

Sometimes, aligning with purpose means stepping forward. Sometimes, it means stepping back—with intention.

Reflection: What decisions are in front of you right now?

Have you taken a moment to ask—not just what excites you or supports your well-being—but whether it aligns with your purpose, including what’s truly needed of you?

What would do both? (The win/win).

- Sometimes our “yes” honors what we need most. - Other times, it honors what’s most needed from us.

- The sweet spot is often where the two meet!