Timeout! – How Are You, Really?

Sometimes life has a funny way of reminding us how far we’ve come. We get so busy chasing what’s next that we forget to pause and look back at the ground we’ve already covered. We forget about the obstacles we’ve overcome, the prayers that were answered, and the quiet grace that carried us through.

It’s in those moments of reflection that we realize how much growth has taken place, often without us even noticing. The struggles that once felt unbearable became stepping stones. The waiting seasons that felt endless were actually building our patience, faith, and strength. What once seemed like a setback was really preparation for something greater.

Life rarely unfolds the way we plan it, but looking back reminds us that every chapter served a purpose. Every no led us closer to the right yes. Every delay taught us to trust that timing matters just as much as effort. When we take a moment to breathe and reflect, gratitude replaces frustration and clarity takes the place of confusion.

In this solo episode, I’m coming to you from New Orleans as I get ready to speak at my alma mater, Xavier University of Louisiana. It’s a full-circle moment that has me reflecting on my journey, from dreaming about medicine to walking it out in real life. I’m also sharing a quick reminder to check in with yourself during Mental Health Awareness Month, take care of your mind like you do your body, and give yourself grace along the way.

“You don’t have to wait for a certain date to change your life, you can do that today.” – Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Time Out with the Sports Doctor (00:01:03) October: The Mental Health Awareness Month (00:03:35) Reflecting on the journey and God’s goodness (00:05:23) 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. (00:07:19) Every delay is not a denial (00:09:08) Growth of the podcast over the years (00:10:23) Reflecting on goals at year’s end (00:12:02) Speaking with purpose at Xavier

Key Takeaways:

“Mentorship is a large part of what I do, and being able to give back to a university that has opened so many doors for me is very important.”

“Being able to get counseling or mental health support is not bad. It really is essential.”

“We go to a doctor for checkups, we go to a dentist for cleanings, what are we doing for our mental health?”

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.