What if you woke up tomorrow and realized that the life you’re living wasn’t something you actively chose, but something you fell into?
That’s the question we challenged everyone with at PIMDCON 2025, and I want to bring that same challenge to you today.
We just wrapped up our annual conference where 400–500 physicians, both in-person and virtually, came together for one purpose: to figure out how to live more intentionally. Not someday, but now.
Whether you were there in the room with us, catching the encore sessions online, or couldn’t make it this year, I wanted to share the biggest takeaways from the weekend. And if this resonates with you, I invite you to go deeper by listening to the full podcast episode where I break it all down.
🎙 Listen to the full episode here → #284 Living by Design, Not Default
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Any investment involves risk, and you should consult your financial advisor, attorney, or CPA before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The author and associated entities disclaim any liability for loss incurred as a result of the use of this material or its content.
The Theme: Living Life by Design, Not Default
As physicians, we’re used to following a preset roadmap… study hard, get into med school, finish residency, land that attending job, then ride it out until retirement.
But here’s the problem: once we hit attending status, most of us stop designing our lives. We assume the hard work is done. But if we don’t make deliberate choices from that point on, we end up letting someone else define how we live.
And for many physicians I meet, that “default” setting looks like:
- Charting late into the night
- Missing important family milestones
- Pushing dreams aside year after year
- Saying, “I’ll get to that when life slows down”
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Here are some key takeaways from the event:
Takeaway #1: We’re Better at Solving Other People’s Problems
On day one, we kicked off with something called Power Networking. Groups of three or four physicians got together, and each person took turns sharing a challenge they were facing—while the rest of the group just listened and then offered possible solutions.
The results were powerful.
It reminded me how, as doctors, we’re incredible at solving others’ problems. That’s what we do every day. But when it comes to our own challenges, we often get in our heads and shut ideas down before they have a chance.
Here’s the lesson: if you feel stuck, don’t try to figure it out alone. Get around other people who will challenge your limiting beliefs and help you see possibilities. Whether it’s a mastermind group, a mentor, or a few trusted friends—create a circle that will help you work through what’s holding you back.
Takeaway #2: Action Creates Luck
There were physicians on stage who built AI companies, launched health tech startups, scaled real estate portfolios, and built thriving businesses.
And yet, when you dig into their stories, it wasn’t a magic moment or a perfect plan that got them there.
It was action.
They didn’t wait until every variable was perfect. They took the first step. Then another. And over time, opportunities started showing up. Luck found them because they were in motion.
The message is simple: you don’t think your way to freedom—you act your way into it.
Takeaway #3: AI Isn’t the Enemy. It’s a Lever.
We spent a lot of time talking about the future of medicine and yes, AI was front and center.
Is it scary? Sure, especially if you feel behind the curve.
But the message wasn’t “run from AI.” It was “learn how to use it.”
Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks, helping you write a business plan, organizing data, or improving patient care—AI can be a tool that gives us time back. But only if we learn how to use it intentionally.
Start small. Start now. Those who learn to leverage technology will be the ones who design their careers, not the ones who get replaced.
Takeaway #4: Prioritize the Big Rocks First
In my talk, I shared a live demonstration using rocks, pebbles, and sand.
You may have seen this before, but the message is worth repeating. If you start by filling your jar (your life) with all the little stuff – emails, meetings, charting, errands – you’ll never have room for the big stuff: your family, your health, your purpose.
But if you start with the big rocks and build around them, somehow, everything still fits.
So I gave everyone a challenge, and I’ll give it to you now:
Choose one “big rock” you’ve been neglecting, whether that’s your health, family, finances, or freedom and put it on your calendar for the next 90 days.
Guard it. Make it non-negotiable.And watch how your life starts to shift.
Takeaway #5: Proximity is Power
The connections at PIMDCON this year were unreal.
I heard it again and again… people who normally hate conferences said this was the first one where they didn’t want to leave. Conversations happened in the hallways, over meals, during mastermind circles. And those conversations led to real breakthroughs.
We’ve all heard the phrase: you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. I like to tweak it: you’re the average of the five physicians you spend the most time with.
Are those people dreaming big? Taking action? Designing their lives with intention?If not, it’s time to find a new circle. Because who you surround yourself with will shape what you believe is possible.
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Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a conference. It was a reminder that we all have the power to choose. We can let life happen to us. Or we can take control and design it the way we want.
So here are a few questions I’ll leave you with:
- Where are you waiting instead of taking action?
- What’s one big rock you’re going to prioritize for the next 90 days?
- Who are the five physicians you’re spending the most time with—and are they helping you grow?
If you want to go deeper on these questions and hear more stories and examples, be sure to check out the full podcast episode: 🎧 Episode #284: Living by Design, Not Default
And if you’re looking for a community to support you in this journey, check them out here.
Thanks for being part of this incredible community!
Let’s live by design.
This post is for educational purposes only and not to be considered financial advice. As always, do your own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
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Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.
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