Creating New Habits During a Travel Contract

Starting a new contract as a traveling medical professional presents a unique opportunity to revamp your lifestyle and develop new and improved habits. Similar to the motivation that comes with the arrival of a new year, each new assignment offers the chance to make positive changes. Whether it's focusing on fitness, financial planning, social connections, or personal growth, harnessing the motivation that comes from a new environment can lead to transformative habits. In this blog post, we'll explore how to leverage the beginning of a contract to create new habits that enhance your overall well-being.

1. Cultivating a Fitness Routine: The excitement of a new environment often brings fresh motivation to prioritize physical health. Use this opportunity to create a new gym habit or engage in regular exercise. Find a gym near your location, explore outdoor activities, or even try a new sport specific to the area. Establishing a fitness routine during your contract will contribute to long-term well-being and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

2. Financial Planning: Starting a new contract is an excellent time to prioritize financial goals, such as saving for retirement. Take advantage of the potential increase in income and set aside a portion for savings. Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can guide you on creating a suitable investment plan or read "The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins*. Developing good financial habits during your contract will provide a solid foundation for future financial security.

3. Embracing Healthier Eating Habits: A change in environment can also inspire you to adopt healthier eating habits. Explore local markets, try new cuisines, and focus on incorporating nutritious meals into your routine. Seek out local produce and experiment with cooking healthy dishes. Prioritizing a balanced diet during your contract will contribute to improved overall well-being.

4. Building Social Connections: Being in a new location offers an excellent opportunity to expand your social circle. Embrace the chance to meet new people, whether it's through dating or simply making friends in the area. Attend local events, join community groups, or connect with fellow professionals in your field. Building meaningful relationships during your contract can enrich your personal and professional life.

5. Pursuing New Hobbies and Skills: An assignment in a different location can be the catalyst for exploring new hobbies and learning new skills. Take advantage of activities or hobbies specific to the area that you've always wanted to try. Whether it's rock climbing in Colorado, surfing in California, or learning a new language in Texas, seize the opportunity to broaden your horizons and engage in personal growth.

6. Applying the Atomic Habits Approach: To effectively develop new habits, follow the principles outlined in the book Atomic Habits*. Start by defining your desired outcome, whether it's mastering a new language, engaging in a particular sport, or acquiring a skill. Then, identify the specific processes that will lead you to your goal. Break down these processes into small, actionable steps, and establish a timeline for when and where you will engage in each action. Writing down and verbalizing these steps reinforces your commitment and increases your chances of success.

Each new travel contract provides a fresh start and an ideal opportunity to create new and better habits. By capitalizing on the motivation that accompanies a new environment, you can cultivate a fitness routine, improve financial planning, adopt healthier eating habits, build social connections, and pursue new hobbies and skills. With a structured approach like the one presented in Atomic Habits, you can effectively establish and maintain these habits, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Embrace the possibilities that come with each new assignment and make the most of your journey as a traveling medical professional.

*We have no affiliation with these books, nor do we make commission off any sales with the provided links. They are just genuinely good books that we personally recommend you rent from your local library.