Failing is about having the self confidence to fail

Rishi 31. Engaged. From Leeds. Club Doctor. 

How are you? 

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Today I am having a lovely day. I have a day off and I am meeting my friend for lunch.  

How do you see yourself? 

Calm and self-reflective. I think a lot about things. I reflect in terms of wanting to be better; that could be in my job or in conversation I've had, or in my work. How could I do better? What could I improve on? What do I need to do to be better? What do I need to do to get to the next stage? 

I grew up in a comfortable households and I was lucky. I went to a grammar school where there were a lot of resources and help. There’s a strong science influence in my family; dentists, opticians, both my parents are pharmacists. My parents said  - do whatever you want to do in life but make sure you enjoy it and work hard. A lot of Asian parents push their kids into doing specialties. With me and my sister both being doctors, people assume our parents pushed us into medicine, it's not the case. 

I feel into medicine. My mates were doing it so I followed them. It wasn’t a passion to begin with. I did what I needed to do to become a doctor. I had no idea what speciality I wanted to go into. One time I was on a training shift, I came home and sat down to have my tea. My mum asked me what I wanted to do -  I didn't know! She said  - I think you need to have a bit more ambition. You need to think about want to do with your life? You need to go and find it, she was right!

In my 4th year I did a placement at a football team. I didn’t make as good an impression as I could have done. I turned up and did my job. I kept back a bit. I was wary of that football mentality, not to be annoying or get in the way. I probably wasn't keen enough. By the end of my time there they couldn’t tell if I was interested or not. Eventually things fell into place. I’m now doing something that I am passionate about. It’s my dream job. 

How do you see yourself?

I am a very literal person, when someone tells me something I take it very literally!  I was always a bit shy. My sister used to talk for me. People used to say -  How are you Rishi? She’d be like - he’s fine! I think building confidence comes in small steps - my ambition and drive comes from that.

I'd rather stay in the job I'm in for the next 20 years to be able to have a family life as well. It doesn't burden me but I do feel a responsibility to provide for my family. I wouldn't necessarily call myself ambitious. Daily life has to be a balance of work and family life.

MORE TO COME. ‘MEN TALK’ OUT SOON!