Embracing Life’s Lessons with Dr. Marty Becker
Dr. Marty Becker, with his infectious energy and a career that zigzags like a squirrel in traffic, has not only thrived in his professional life but has also cultivated a rich personal life filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections. As he approaches significant milestones—nearing 70 years of age and celebrating 45 years in veterinary practice—Dr. Becker shares insights that have enriched his journey, hoping to inspire others to lead a more fulfilled and joyful life.
Dr. Becker’s Top 25 Life Enhancers
1. Daily Reflection: Dedicate 15-30 minutes each day to think deeply about your career, health, and relationships.
2. Surround Yourself with Inspiration: Spend time with people who uplift you. Whether it’s reading their works, listening to their talks, or being in their presence, make sure to draw inspiration from leaders and visionaries like John Payne and Temple Grandin.
3. Live Within Your Means: Learn to prioritize your desires. You can have anything, but not everything. Choose what matters most to you and make it happen.
4. Appreciate Nature’s Beauty: After a storm, take a moment to watch the rainbow and reconnect with the simple joys of life.
5. Celebrate Others: Send personalized greeting cards to friends and associates on their birthdays. In an age of digital communication, a handwritten note can make a significant impact.
6. Stay Active: Make exercise a priority to maintain both physical and mental health.
7. Choose Positivity: Engage with people who bring positive energy into your life.
8. Share Your Heritage: Use local specialties as gifts to share a piece of your home with others, like Dr. Becker does with Idaho potatoes.
9. Commit to Continuous Improvement: Always strive to be better than you were yesterday.
10. Humor is a Must: Lighten up any gathering with a well-timed joke that gets everyone laughing.
11. Reconnect with Your Roots: Attend your school reunions to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about the past.
12. Define Family Values: Create a family mission statement to guide your collective actions and decisions.
13. Give Back: Volunteer and contribute to your community.
14. Support Others in Need: Reach out to those experiencing tough times and make a conscious effort to follow up regularly.
15. Embrace Rest: Don’t underestimate the power of a quick nap to rejuvenate your mind and body.
16. Balance is Key: Keep a healthy balance in all areas of your life.
17. Empathize with Clients: Always put yourself in your clients’ shoes to better understand their needs and concerns.
18. Support Small Ventures: Never pass by a child’s lemonade stand without showing your support.
19. Honor Your Mother: Always remember to call and go beyond just a card on Mother’s Day.
20. Praise Good Service: If you enjoy a meal, compliment the staff and management.
21. Share Stories: Keep the history alive by sharing stories with family, friends, and colleagues.
22. Appreciate Everyday Heroes: Thank the housekeepers when staying at a hotel.
23. Advocate for Equality: Stand up for human rights, diversity, and equal opportunity.
24. Admit Quirky Truths: Sometimes, it’s okay to love your pets as much as, or more than, people.
25. Remember Your ‘Why’: Never forget the moments that defined your career path and the joy of achieving your dreams.
Finding Balance Amid Challenges
Despite facing personal challenges like depression, Dr. Becker finds solace in simple things—a photo album filled with cherished memories, heartfelt letters from clients, and lists that guide him through tough times. These personal treasures remind him of his blessings and recenter his spirit, reinforcing his love for veterinary medicine.
Dr. Marty Becker’s journey is a testament to living life with purpose and passion, continuously seeking joy and fulfillment in both professional and personal spheres. His story and advice encourage us all to find our own paths to happiness and impact, reminding us that life, with all its ups and downs, is a beautiful journey worth embracing.
