Justin Altschuler, MD
justinaltschuler.bsky.social
Justin Altschuler, MD
@justinaltschuler.bsky.social
www.justinaltschulermd.com
The stories we tell ourselves are sometimes helpful– and sometimes not so helpful. Most of the time though, we don’t even realize that we are telling ourselves a story. The meaning we have made of our life is so ingrained that it is invisible.
February 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Many of us know the parable of the three stonemasons. Here’s another version:
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February 10, 2025 at 6:54 PM
A society that values possessions over contributions grows hollow. Communities don’t thrive because a few get rich or loud—they thrive because people invest in each other. The world we focus on shapes us. Let’s choose to show up for each other— not the social media algorithms that stoke our rage
February 5, 2025 at 6:54 PM
The online world rewards outrage, the loudest voices, and viral anger. Offline, people work hard, make tough choices, and support each other. Social media distorts our sense of normal—curated wealth & trolling aren’t reality.
February 3, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Benjamin Franklin said in America, we ask “What can you do?” not “What do you have?” Lately, it feels like we’ve lost that. Online, wealth & status get all the attention. But in real life, I see people showing up—coaching, parenting, helping neighbors. That’s Franklin’s America
February 1, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Why is it that online, everyone is kind of miserable whereas offline people are kind, decent, and trying hard to do the right thing?
January 31, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Growth and progress often require us to do things that feel uncomfortable at first. Trying something new—whether learning to drive or starting a new habit—can be awkward. But with time and repetition, what was once difficult becomes second nature. This process is essential to development, including…
January 29, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Bad habits don’t feel natural at first. Skipping workouts, endless scrolling, or small lies can feel wrong—but over time, repetition makes them automatic. What we practice becomes who we are. Be mindful of what you’re normalizing.
January 28, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Norms and habits evolve slowly. What seems startling now may be standard tomorrow if we permit it. Like daily fast food, rudeness and deceit didn’t normalize instantly—they snuck in. Let’s be conscious of the values we uphold for ourselves and society.
Doc’s Thoughts
Every week, Dr. Justin Altschuler writes a post that provides new insight and perspective into the familiar parts of life, helping readers live a healthy, happy, meaningful life.
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January 25, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Misdiagnosing laziness as the problem sets us up for failure. Yelling "try harder" won’t solve fear, time scarcity, or overwhelm. Real change starts with curiosity: What’s underneath the resistance that we call "lazy"?
January 24, 2025 at 8:00 PM
When change feels impossible, laziness isn't the culprit. It's the easier excuse, covering fears, loneliness, or logistical barriers. Naming the real issue isn't just brave—it's the first step toward progress.
January 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
"I'm lazy" often masks deeper truths. People working 12-hour days or raising kids while juggling jobs rarely lack effort. So, what's really holding us back? Fear, stress, and uncertainty. Let's rethink laziness. Read the whole essay here: https://astounding-speaker-3422.kit.com
January 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Ever blame "laziness" for not making a change? Let’s unpack that. Most people who call themselves lazy are anything but. They’re working long hours, juggling responsibilities, and constantly on the move. So, why does change feel so hard?
January 17, 2025 at 8:00 PM
What’s the cost of staying in your comfort zone? The risk of inaction can be far greater than failure itself. We grow by taking risks, even when things don’t go perfectly. Don’t fear failure—fear regret. #RiskTaking #PersonalGrowth #OvercomeFear
January 16, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Stagnation is the true risk, not failure. Avoiding challenges to protect ourselves from failure keeps us from learning and growing. Take action, embrace setbacks, and watch how failure teaches you more than success ever could. #EmbraceFailure #Learning #Growth
January 13, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Fear of failure can paralyze us, but fear of stagnation should be our real concern. The risk of not trying is the greatest threat to growth. Failure is just a lesson in disguise. #PushForward #EmbraceTheProcess #TakeAction
January 11, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Instead of focusing on what to change this year, what if we focused on the questions we want to answer? Curiosity over action leads to deeper insights. What question will you explore in 2025?
January 7, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Or, we could focus on learning— what will I learn this year? When we get to December 2025, will we be able to say we’ve learned anything worthwhile? A language? How to be a better father? Instead of a resolution for change, it makes sense to focus on a resolution to learn…
January 3, 2025 at 10:28 PM
We’ve all heard that the smartest people ask good questions, rather than having lots of answers. Maybe that’s what we should lead with in the new year: What question will I focus on answering this year? Instead of focusing on what we will change, what if we focused on exploring a good question?
January 3, 2025 at 10:24 PM
New Year’s resolutions often fail without a plan. This year, try setting a specific, meaningful goal like “Do a pull-up” or “Save $10k.” Break it into realistic steps, write it down, and track your progress daily. Real change happens with action, not promises.
December 31, 2024 at 8:30 PM