I want to share with you an Insight that has guided my career as a pharmacist, a dermatologist, an entrepreneur, and a champion for Modern Wellness. That Insight is to “Become a champion in your own league.” This philosophy has guided me in ways that go beyond professional success—it has shaped my approach to life itself.

I’ve always been slightly out of sync with many in the dermatology profession. I was never as focused on the cosmetic side of dermatology–the fillers, injections, and such–as I was on how my patient’s overall health was affecting their skin (and vice versa, how their skin was affecting how they felt about themselves). I never saw “an acne patient,” for example. Instead, I saw a wonderful person who was struggling with acne.

Because I was focused on my patients’ overall health, I saw how stress, diet, and lifestyle all manifest physically—on the skin and throughout the body. I became a champion for Inclusive Health and Modern Wellness—recognizing skin as a window to my patients’ well-being. It wasn’t mainstream at the time, but I knew I could excel in this specialized area. I chose to become a champion in my own league, not by competing with others, but by mastering a unique niche I was passionate about.

Embrace Your Uniqueness

The first step in becoming a champion in your own league is embracing your uniqueness. Whatever your interests, no matter how obscure or atypical they seem, lean into them fully. When I began exploring the connections between cellular hydration, skin health, and overall well-being, it wasn’t a well-trodden path. Indeed, it still isn’t. We recently had our first academic paper published validating the hypothesis that hypohydration—intracellular water loss—is a fact of aging and a factor in the degenerative diseases associated with aging. But despite the lack of validation from my dermatology peers, I stayed true to the lessons learned through my own clinical practice—that aging is a disease of cellular water loss. Even though this viewpoint challenged the conventional medical wisdom, I continued (and continue!) to offer people a different perspective on their health.

For me, it was all about exploring the intersection between internal health and external beauty. I wanted people to understand that skincare is not just about lotions and potions—it is about a holistic approach that includes diet, emotional well-being, and self-care. That clinical emphasis began with embracing my passion for cellular hydration and leading a movement towards treating skin from the inside out.

Commit to Mastery

Being a champion in your own league also requires mastery of your craft. I don’t mean aspiring to perfection (after all, another of my favorite Insights is “Be imperfect; live longer”), but about continuous learning, growth, and a deep understanding of your field. I spent years refining my ideas about cellular water and how it affects skin aging. I read every study, tested theories, and most importantly, listened to my patients. Each new insight built on the last, allowing me to innovate and eventually develop a whole new way of approaching skincare.

One thing I’ve always believed is that education never stops. Every day offers an opportunity to learn something new or to look at an old problem in a new way. That commitment to mastery is what has allowed me to push the boundaries of traditional dermatology and bring about innovations like my Inclusive Health® philosophy, which looks at skincare through the lens of total body wellness.

Focus on What You Can Control

Another key aspect of excelling in your own chosen field is focusing on what you can control. We live in a world where it’s easy to get caught up in competition or compare ourselves to others. But that’s a surefire way to lose sight of what matters most—your personal growth and fulfillment.

When I was developing the Murad skincare line, I wasn’t focused on how I could beat out other brands or become the biggest name in beauty. My focus was on creating products that truly helped people, products that solved problems and made a difference in their lives. That’s what I could control—how much care, science, and thought I put into every product.

This mindset of focusing on what’s within your control applies to every aspect of life. Whether it’s your career, personal relationships, or self-care routines, the only competition that truly matters is the one with yourself. How can you be better than you were yesterday? How can you push your own limits and discover new strengths?

Celebrate Small Wins

Being a champion in your own league isn’t always about monumental achievements. It’s about celebrating every step forward, no matter how small. In the early days of my career, success wasn’t always immediate or obvious. But each time I helped a patient see her skin improve, or each time a client told me they felt more confident in their own skin, I considered it a win.

When you’re building something meaningful, those small victories add up. They give you the momentum to keep going, even when the path ahead seems unclear. Whether you’re creating art, building a business, or simply striving to live a healthier life, celebrate your progress. Every step forward brings you closer to excelling in your chosen field.

Define Success on Your Own Terms

Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned over the years is this: success is personal. It’s not defined by societal expectations or external accolades. True success comes from knowing that you are giving your all to what you are passionate about, that you are making a difference in your own way.

Becoming a champion in your own league means defining what success looks like for you. It’s about waking up each day with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s about doing work that matters to you, regardless of whether it’s considered prestigious or high-profile. And it’s about having the courage to follow your own path, even when others don’t fully understand it.

Conclusion: Be Your Own Champion

Wherever you are in life, whatever your passions may be, I encourage you to embrace them fully. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your journey, remember that your league is yours to define. You don’t need external validation to know your worth. You are enough, and your unique talents and interests deserve to be celebrated.

So, take the leap. Excel in whatever field lights you up. Become a champion in your own league, and watch how your impact grows—not just for yourself, but for the people you serve.