By Jennifer Wozniczka, MD

I would remind my younger self that those struggles in your life, big and small, result in the greatest growth.

I’ve struggled to repair a flat tire on my bike only to have it pop again the next day. I’ve experimented with many plants in my garden that never grow. I’ve worked through surgical cases where nothing goes right. I’ve raced in triathlons where muscle cramps start almost immediately. I’ve been canoeing in the backcountry and gotten so lost that I accidentally paddled into the wrong country.

All these experiences are seemingly unrelated. But what they share is they were all frustrating in the moment, required creativity and persistence to get out of the situation, and allowed for growth and learning so I was better off the next time I experienced a similar situation. So, I have to remind my younger (and current self) that challenges are always worthwhile.