We can't immediately change the process of medicine, the stuff that is kind of a drag and wears us down. What we can change, however, is our mindset. In this episode, we dissect several practices for shift preparation with a common goal of operating at a peak level of performance and experiencing more joy in what we do. Today we learn how to pregame, like a pro.   We discuss: When the process of practicing medicine becomes your purpose for being a doctor, you’re at risk for burnout, if not worse. [00:30] The system will not adjust to what you need right now.  You have to adjust yourself. [1:45] How accepting gratitude, and other small changes in mindset, can have a logarithmic return on investment. [4:50] The ways that many elite-level performers pregame.  They rely on their rituals for peak performance. [07:15] Physicians are elite-level performers who rarely have the time to mentally prepare for each day. [8:40]   How some doctors pregame (or not).... Mike Weinstock doesn't pregame [12:06] Clay Smith's pregame distraction [13:20] Joshua Russell's sequence of physical, emotional and mental prep [15:10] Sabrina Adams the BAFERD [18:00] Jaime Hope thinks of her 4 professional identities [19:10] Mizuho Morrison's 3 steps of self talk [21:40] Ran Ran biking to work. [24:20] Joe Dubois walks to work Chris Nickson walks to work Ross Fisher calms during his commute. Haney Mallemat uses mental visualization. Luz Silverio's pregame ritual is to arrive to work 15 minutes early to “chit-chat” with members of her team.[28:40] Alan Sielaff allows sufficient time before the shift to get prepared. [29:30]:  Dan McCollum starts the day mentally preparing with the 5 Minute Journal.[31:00]  Reuben Strayer mentally prepare for a shift by practicing mindfulness [32:50]  Salim Rezaie isolates himself from social media and email for at least 1-2 hours prior to each shift.[35:30]  Mike Mallin uses intermittent fasting to improve his focus, attitude, and endurance at work. [37:15]   Rich Hamilton treats a shift like it’s a competitive sport. [38:30]  Rob's 2 pregame exercises. [41:10]  Jocko Willink’s “Good” [44:06]    Learn More: https://www.stimuluspodcast.com/ Complete shownotes for this episode: https://www.stimuluspodcast.com/post/2-pregame-like-a-pro