In the early stages of your career, challenges are inevitable—whether it’s mastering new skills or pivoting into the unknown. At Lucens, we believe the moments that push you out of your comfort zone are the ones that lead to the greatest growth.
This week, we asked Shehzad Batliwala, DO, MGM to reflect on his experience navigating discomfort and how it’s shaped his journey in medicine.
Question:
What’s been your approach when a challenge seemed too big or uncertain to tackle? How did you find your way through?
J.D., California
Answer:
When I’m unsure about how to push through or deal with a challenging situation, I rely on my mentors for guidance. I wouldn’t say I had one specific mentor, but I’ve always been the kind of person who looks for advice from a variety of sources—books, podcasts, or even casual conversations. Mentorship can come from unexpected places. For example, George Washington can be a mentor if you study his leadership, or Barack Obama can inspire you through the ideas he shares in his speeches. A mentor doesn’t have to be someone you know personally; they can be anyone whose experiences or insights help guide you.
One piece of advice that has profoundly shaped my career is this: Push through the discomfort.
Whether it’s learning a new skill during residency or making a big career decision, discomfort is part of the process. It’s easy to want certainty and security—our brains are wired that way—but growth happens when you move through uncertainty. That’s where you gain the most valuable insights.
For me, discomfort has been a teacher. It’s shown me that on the other side of fear and doubt is growth. I’ve faced many moments where I didn’t know the outcome or where I felt out of my depth. But I’ve learned to lean into those moments rather than avoid them. Whether it’s trying something new, navigating a tough situation, or pivoting in my career, pushing through discomfort has helped me evolve as both a doctor and a person.
So, my advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed or unsure is this: recognize discomfort as a sign that you’re on the verge of growth. Trust the process, lean into the challenge, and you’ll be surprised by how much you’ll evolve.
Want to Navigate Your Own Discomfort?
Uncertain about your next step? Shehz’s journey shows that pushing through discomfort can lead to unexpected growth. Submit your question and gain personalized insights into overcoming career challenges. Click here to submit.
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