Book Review: The Long Game by Dorie Clark

🚑 Playing the long game isn’t about doing more, it’s about choosing better.

For paramedics who’ve stepped away, slowed down, or are questioning what’s next, The Long Game offers something rare: permission to zoom out. Dorie Clark is a strategic thinker who teaches that meaningful careers are not built in sprints ... they’re built in seasons.

This book is a reminder that quiet progress is still progress, and that stepping away can be a strategic move ... not a setback.

🧠 Key Message for First Responders:

"We overestimate what we can do in a day, and underestimate what we can achieve in a decade."

If you’ve taken a pause, changed direction, or are just starting to plan your next career chapter, The Long Game reframes that pause as a powerful opportunity. It encourages you to define success on your own terms, align your career with your long-term values, and stop chasing urgency in exchange for real clarity.

🔧 5 Practical Takeaways You Can Use:

1️⃣ Carve Out White Space (Even 10 Minutes Counts)

Dorie’s advice: White space is where long-term thinking begins.

• Respondr Tip: Block 10 minutes each week for reflection, ask: Where do I want to be in 3 years? Am I moving toward or away from that?

2️⃣ Don’t Wait for a Breakthrough ... Build One

You don’t need to be “ready” to start building momentum.

• Respondr Tip: Choose one action this month, sign up for a CPD course, update your resume, book a catch-up with a mentor. One small move = progress.

3️⃣ Define Your Own Version of Career Success

Not everyone wants to be a team leader or stay in the same system forever ... and that’s okay.

• Respondr Tip: Write a personal success statement: “My career is successful when…” and revisit it quarterly.

4️⃣ Be Strategic With “No”

Saying no to what’s urgent helps protect space for what’s important.

• Respondr Tip: Before you commit to something, ask: Is this aligned with my long-term career direction?

5️⃣ Play Long, Not Loud

Not every move needs to be big or public.

• Respondr Tip: Quiet progress is real progress. Set micro-goals that align with your future (e.g. explore a teaching role, build confidence outside clinical work).

✍️ Reflection Prompt:

What does long-term success look like for you ... and how does that influence your next step?
Even if it’s just a 1% nudge, choose a direction this week.

🔖 Final Thought:

You don’t need to rush your next chapter.
You just need to make sure it’s yours.

If you’ve paused, pivoted, or slowed down, this book is for you. Because career ambition doesn't expire and time spent reflecting is time invested in your future.

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