Becoming the Answer to Your Own Prayer
We live in a world that often celebrates the finish line, the degree, the title, the job, the house. But the truth is, real success doesn’t happen when you arrive somewhere. It happens in the process of getting there.
When I think back on my own journey, it wasn’t a straight path. There were setbacks, long nights, and moments of doubt. But looking back, I see that every challenge prepared me for the next season. The process taught me patience, faith, and discipline, the things that truly matter when you finally reach where you’re headed.
So if you’re still on the way, keep going. The waiting, the working, the lessons, they all count. Don’t rush the process trying to get to the finish line. Every step is building you into the person you’re meant to be. Because real success isn’t just about arriving. It’s about growing into the kind of person who’s ready when you do.
In this episode, I take a moment to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month and those whose strength continues to inspire us all. I also reflect on my recent visit to Xavier University of Louisiana, where I had the privilege of speaking with the biology department about purpose, perseverance, and faith. From my roots in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to my work as an orthopedic surgeon, my journey has taught me that success isn’t just about where you end up. My hope is that this message reminds you to stay faithful to your purpose, trust the process, and keep building, even when the path isn’t easy.
“We want our dreams to be clean and well packed, but they don’t always reveal themselves like that. Sometimes that dream will get really messy before it gets clean.” – Dr. Derrick Burgess
Topics Covered:
00:00:00 – Recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
00:03:42 – Hard work never stops
00:08:41 – Building a strong resume through experience
00:11:14 – The value of relationships
00:12:14 – Academic excellence is non-negotiable
00:15:02 – Know your “Why”
00:15:02 – Advertisement: Struggling with your finances as a young physician? Doc2Doc Lending is here for you. Founded by doctors, we offer loans tailored to your unique career path—crediting your certifications and specialty training. Visit https://www.doc2doclending.com/ today.
00:18:28 – The power of mentorship
00:20:27 – The journey defines and shapes you
00:26:39 – Start afraid, but start
00:28:40 – Be ready when opportunity knocks
00:31:31 – Stay the course
00:32:58 – Be your best self and let the rest follow
Key Takeaways:
“So many times when you're sitting in this seat, it's hard to imagine that you can compete with the rest of the world.”
“If you are a student and you know you might have some inadequacies, whether that's academics or test taking, you have to do all that you can to build your resume.”
“Be careful when you say you don’t want to do something, because you never really know what doors will open up later on.”
“You can have all the service you want, you can do all the research you want, but if you don't have the grades, it's gonna be very hard to get into any kind of graduate program.”
“You have to know what your endpoint is. You have to know why you're doing what you're doing.”
“Mentorship will get your name in doors that you can’t get into.”
“The journey is what defines you. The journey is what makes you who you are.”
Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:
Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243
Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com
Other Links: https://forms.gle/816Ue5Zs7TtzvoiE8
This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.
