Have you ever wondered what’s possible if you are not afraid of failure of pursuing your dream? How often do you let the mindset monsters of fear and self-doubt keep you from pursuing your dreams? So often fear of the unknown and fear of failure keep us stuck in our comfort zone- sitting on the sidelines of life, wishing we had the courage to follow our dreams. In this episode, I interview Dr. Susie Sharpe a physician artist whose work has been displayed from New York to Paris to Madrid. Susie shares her inspiring story of finally building up the courage to pursue her passion. You will learn:
- The desperate circumstances led her to give up her dream of becoming an artist in search of stability.
- How she overcame her self doubts and reframed her failure to pursue her original passion for art.
- Why having a creative outlet can help burnout proof your life and career.
I’m so excited for you to listen and hear Dr. Susie Sharpe’s story.
Use the audio player above to listen, or tune in on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Choosing “Responsibility” over Passion
Susie’s first love when she was growing up in Korea was painting, and she always wanted to be an artist. When she was 16 years old her parents made the decision to go to the US which changed everything. Her family arrived in New York without knowing the language, and they met a frightening reality. She felt she had to pursue a profession other than art. Out of desperation, she let go of her dream of becoming an artist in order to survive.
Leaving Her Career in Medicine
After working in her clinic for ten years, Susie experienced severe burnout. Her medical group lost three internists due to burnout and Susie worried for her mental health. She chose to resign when her two partners left. She decided that she needed to take care of her family and her physical and emotional health while also pursuing her passion for art.
Pursuing Passion of Art
Susie began attending local community colleges for classes and joined neighborhood artist collectives. She started creating group shows before building up the courage to place a solo exhibit somewhere that was quite successful. She holds up to 20 group and solo exhibitions each year while also balancing practicing medicine.
Identity crisis, fear, and doubt
She experienced fear and doubt, especially around her medical and artistic colleagues. Then she decided to embrace her identity and always reminds herself: “Achieving what seems like an impossible dream, gives you the confidence that you can do almost anything you put your mind to.” At the end of the day, she is more afraid of regret for not pursuing her dreams at all. She also reminds herself that today is what we’ve got; we are not sure if there will be tomorrow. Live your life to the fullest and be present.
Life as a Physician – Artist
As a physician, it is normal to see suffering and pain, but Susie took these as an inspiration to create art that gives happiness, peace, and healing. The art provides her an “antidote” to burnout. When returning to her medical practice, she made sure to find a practice that respects her boundaries such as weekends off, not carrying a beeper, etc.
Future as an Artist
The net proceeds of her art are donated to impoverished countries helping women and children. The revenues from her memoir will be donated to the same causes. Her struggles in life taught her to be strong and not be afraid of failing. It’s important to appreciate life’s value and live it to the fullest.
Thank you. It’s taken a few months, but the fact is that Coach Chels MD, has (with her wisdom, reflected in her podcast), got me to move out of a situation where I was being railroaded by some! I nearly got pushed to a corner, but Coach Chels MD, got me to refocus, on my education & whatever little talent I may have & got me to take bold steps forward towards futuristic solutions (without any of the heavy burden, of either regret or resentment from the past)! Truly appreciated. What did I learn? As I read somewhere if you not changing your mind you are not using it! I sincerely wish that Coach Chels MD, quality hard work, gets many more people, to move out of situations that may be to their liking & move forward, towards positive solutions for today, for now & the future. Thank you. Best wishes. Regards, Arun Sil