Resolut(e)-tions

Good morning!

I received some really good New Year’s resolutions in the VC Notes inbox. Many of you obviously take this annual exercise seriously and shared with me some thoughtful personal and professional resolutions. Thank you! 

For myself, I’m more of a mantra person than someone who sets – and expects to keep – New Year’s resolutions. Here are some things that I have on my list every year and that I work to progress on daily (some days more than others, for sure).

• Extend grace
• Assume good intentions
• Let the patient be the guiding focus
• Smile
• Walk more
• Lose a few stubborn pounds (this is a tough one during King Cake season)

Here are snippets from a handful of your submissions:

“Walk from the stadium to the building instead of riding the bus. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.”

• As you can see from my own list above, this is right up my alley. Excellent advice for anyone capable of adding a little extra calorie burn to their day. I know Dr. Josh Mann, chair of preventive medicine, appreciates this resolution immensely.

“… be kinder to myself.”

• YES! We should all do this daily, regardless of a New Year’s resolution.

“… have at least one new experience. It could be traveling to a new destination, going on a new hiking trail, trying a different type of food, going to a hockey game for the first time, etc.”

• I feel life is about the people around you, the impact you make and the experiences you have. So, I totally agree with the importance of this resolution.

“… pay off student debt!”

• Stick to a plan, and you’ll accomplish this rewarding goal. If you’re able to get it done in 2024, then congrats!

“Do the opposite. This is a reminder to do better than following the path of least resistance or doing what comes ‘naturally’.”

• I can be on board with this. Sometimes our inclination or instinct is easier, but it isn’t the right call. It’s good to step back and be thoughtful before taking any action, especially when it involves other people.

“… have more of an open eye to truly see the needs of others and give accordingly …”

• This one well intersects with the one above. We should all resolve every day to be the best version of ourselves and extend to others kindness and care that will help them be the best version of themselves.

“I want this to be a very productive year for myself and I want to be able to inspire others to do the same as well.”

• Be a guiding light to others. That is true leadership.

“My goal for UMMC Grenada, since the beginning of my UMMC career, is to be a 5-star facility! Currently we are 3 stars on patient satisfaction, so my goal for 2024 is to see that rating increase to at least a 4-star rating.”

• I know Dodie McElmurray, CEO of University and Community Hospitals, is smiling at this one. Our UMMC Grenada teams have worked hard and made so many improvements, which in turn directly benefits the residents of the communities they serve. I love to hear someone say that “better” isn’t “good enough.”

And I saved my favorite one for last. I feel this should not only be a New Year’s resolution, but also a daily mantra.

“I want to work with my department to achieve our goals and make a positive impact on the lives of those around me. Small acts of kindness such as a smile, a kind word, and patience can go a long way in making a difference. I aspire to be the change I wish to see in the world and look forward to my journey at UMMC. Here's to a great 2024!”

If we can all take note of the call to action in this resolution and employ it in our work lives, we can make this the best version of UMMC possible, and all Mississippians will benefit. If we are resolute and follow through with this, we absolutely will see the realization of A Healthier Mississippi.