I recently heard Mike Singletary, legendary Chicago Bears linebacker and NFL Hall of Famer, give a talk. He shared a powerful story about meeting his new coach, Mike Ditka, in 1982. Ditka made an immediate impact—making changes right away, setting a new tone and creating a brand-new culture.
Ditka had a vision. He looked at his team and declared that in three years, they would win the Super Bowl. Not everyone was coming along for the ride—only those who truly wanted it, who were willing to put in the work, would stay.
And he was right. In 1985, the Bears won the Super Bowl. What struck me most about this story was how clear Ditka’s vision was. He knew exactly what he wanted. He had a timeline. He knew what it would take.
But the players didn’t know it was going to happen. All they knew was that they had to show up every single day, put in the work, and believe in the process. They kept grinding, even when the outcome wasn’t certain.
Looking back, it’s easy to say that all the hard work was worth it. But in the moment? When they were pushing through exhaustion and self-doubt? That’s where the real challenge was.
This is such a powerful lesson for all of us—especially for busy physician moms juggling careers, families, and personal aspirations. When we have a goal, whether it’s a personal goal like improving a relationship or losing ten pounds, or a professional goal such as getting a raise or a higher position, we need to have that same level of clarity and commitment. It’s not enough to hope for success; we have to see it, believe it, and take action every single day.
Even when it feels like nothing is happening. Even when the finish line seems impossibly far away.
Because if we stay focused, if we do the work, and if we refuse to let go of the dream—just like the 1985 Bears—we will succeed. It’s just a matter of time.
