This column has already highlighted the pitfalls of striving for perfection. The medic is often encouraged to achieve beyond other mortals. Long hours, physical and mental pressure are a routine part of the job. Although striving for better is an admirable quality in medicine, I would encourage you to disregard such high standards outside of work.

Doing something different from your day-to-day job can bring many benefits.1 Hobbies and time outside are …