Weekly Reflection 09/03/2023 - Tools of Titans
For years, throughout medical training I have been told that reflection is the key transferable skill for adult, independent education. I am a slow learner and I didn’t like what I was told and the system I had to use. However, I think I have finally embraced the idea.
I have now read some many self help books, that suggest making reflective pieces is a good idea. The latest book that hammered this point home over and over again was Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris and guests. So, I am going to give it a go.
Plan = every week, I am going to write a very short blog with: book recommendations; learning tips and some stuff worth sharing.
So here goes, the first episode of being a grown up independent learner…
Book Recommendations
Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Timothy Ferriss
Do Epic Shit by Ankur Warikoo
Ten Drugs: How Plants, Powders, and Pills Have Shaped the History of Medicine by Thomas Hager
33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene
The Law of Success In Sixteen Lessons by Napoleon Hill
Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: The Mavericks who Plotted Hitler's Defeat by Giles Milton
Psych by Judd Biasiotto
This is a LOT of books and Audible books for one week! But I have just flown back from Australia, so thats my excuse.
ToT = Tools of Titans is going to be my new bible, my desktop inspiration. Its a book full of advice on “health, wealth and wisedom”. Tim Ferriss has taken the idea of being efficient to a whole new level. How do you do anything with the minimum effective dose/ minimal effort or using the 80/20 rule. My plan is to keep this book on my desk and just flick through it any time I need some inspiration or a new idea to try.
Psych is about sports psychology but more importantly its about transferable skills of relaxation, focussing and working towards your goals. Some good ideas on how to train and focus on any task.
The other books were just for interest but all equally interesting in different ways.
Learning Tip of the Week
Cliches are common for a reason. Normally because doing the absolutely obvious thing is actually the right thing to do!
So, people have said that reading the BNF is a good starting point for AKT and GPST revision. I got a paper copy and started working through it page by page with a yellow highlighter. Its taking me about 2h per chapter but I have been absolutely amazed at how much useful information is actually in it! Especially the drug class chapter summaries.
Useful and/or Interesting Stuff
If you are a GP or GPST in Birmingham, then sign up for the newsletter from the ICB - communications.bsolicb@nhs.net - just sent them an email asking to be added to the mailing list.
"I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life; I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well." - Theodore Roosevelt quotes… he has so many!
Oslerisms - if you ever need some medical wisdowm, then check this first because William Osler probably has a good quote
The RCGP only lets you book the AKT during a short time window 3 times a year, if you miss that window then tough. They are strict about this!
I hope this has been interesting or useful. Please let me know any thoughts on how to make this better or your opinions on the books or your recommendations.
Best of Luck for another week on the frontline!