Meet Michael Sweeney

We recently connected with Michael Sweeney and have shared our conversation below.

Michael , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Growing up in a low income househeld with 3 younger sisters, we struggled. My father got laid off from the local plant in our hometown and my parents could barely make ends meet. We grew up in a house next to my cousins, which was a great experience growing up. Though the house we lived in when it would rain we would have to place bowls and towels down on the stairs because rain came directly through the ceiling into the house. The house would get flooded for a day or two. Electrical was exposed. You could see the installation under the walls. It was not a great environment to be growing up. On the flip side it gave me a quality that I would always carry with me. I knew from a young age, I wanted out of that situation. I knew I would not allow my family/kids to experience what I experienced. I had to be resilent. I went off to college and then eventually became a Podiatrist. Now Im in fellowship, newly married, and getting close to starting a family. I still hit blockades that I have to push through or create another path around, As these life problems or “blockades” arise, in the back of my mind always is that house telling me to push further. It is the foundation of my resilence.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have already explained where I have been and my experience. Currently I am a Podiatrist who does foot and ankle surgery. I have really found my love in this career which is taking care of patients. Whether from a complex deformity correction to a diabetic who wants to avoid losing their leg. This profession allows you help a wide variety of patients. Currently I am involved in a nonprofit (STEPs) whose main goal is helping podiatry students further their education as schooling only provides a foundation but the provider must be a lifetime learner constantly contiuning to grow on that foundation. That is what we do at STEPs whether it is from lectures on specific topics to a yearly Conference where we help teach the correct techniques. My goal in this is to make the profession as a whole better. Though this is our main mission we still hold events for the community and those in need. I was blessed to get out of a situation why should I not help others.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Work Ethic
2. Attitude
3. Resilence

I belive in my personal experience these are the three biggest qualities one should have no matter what path they are on whether it be starting a business or simply learning a new skill. A strong work ethic in my opinion will take you the farthest, employers love seeing those who work hard but again this can apply to something as basic as learning a new skill. To achieve your goal you will have to put in the work. Attitude is big. Attitude can range from caring to positivity, If you do not have the right attitude. Ask yourself why don’t you? Then address it. Maybe you need a change. Lastly is resilence. You are going be thrown obstacles on a daily basis, that is life. It is your job to be resilent, get a good attitude about that obstacle, and work your way through it. These three qualities constantly intertwine with each other.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

If you have not read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, I highly suggest it. This book provides a magnificent example of how to get 1% better each day. Taking smalls steps to create change and habits in your life. Changing your attitude or making those things easier for yourself. It is a wonderful read. All should take a look at this book.

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