Success is a competition with oneself

Introduce yourself in a few words…

My name is Dr. Atanas Bogoев and I am a consultant ophthalmologist, educator, and creator of digital content at Ophthalmology24 and Ochno Zdrave. I work at a university clinic in Germany, where I combine surgery, education, and medical innovations.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

Consistent, purposeful, and full of setbacks from which I learn every day.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

Not to settle and to choose a professional path outside of Bulgaria and to embark on the unknown, which requires adaptation but offers much in return.

What would you have liked to know at the beginning, but no one told you?

That building skills and confidence takes time and is not linear. Many of the goals you set take much longer than you plan. And that is completely normal. You are not competing with others, but only with yourself. 

How can a person understand which profession is suitable for them?

By acting and trying different things. Theory provides direction, but practice provides clarity. You only understand in motion — through internships, volunteering, and working in real conditions. 

Which skills will be key in the next 10 years?

Great question that I constantly discuss with my friends! Critical thinking, adaptability, and good communication skills are the things that are and will remain relevant in the near future.

Your biggest mistake in your career?

Not talking enough about what I do. Telling myself that I am too busy to share what I do in my daily life as a professional. 

How to recognize a toxic work environment?

If you are asking yourself questions about whether your work environment is toxic, it is most likely toxic. In a great work environment, everything runs smoothly and your mind does not think in that direction. 

What would you do differently if you were starting over?

I would have started with my own communication platform for patients and colleagues much earlier. Sharing is power.

How to maintain our motivation during times of stagnation?

By changing the scale, if you can't solve the big problem, break it down into smaller parts and solve something small. For me, changing the environment and stepping away from work for a moment motivates me and I return to work with fresh ideas. 

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

With clarity in priorities and awareness of what we actually sacrifice when we gain something else. What is your goal and in what timeframe do you want to achieve it? Are you ready to give up X to get there?

When is it time to change our career, not just the job?

The answer comes from self-awareness. When even in a new place and new team, the feeling of meaninglessness and dissatisfaction remains. Ideally, a person should feel useful and provide value to others, besides just making a living - look for more about the Japanese - Ikigai philosophy. 

One piece of advice for people seeking success?

Успехът не е състезание с другите, а с вчерашното ти „аз“. Успехът за всеки човек е с разична дефиниция. Например аз се чувствам успешен, защото съм здрав и помагам на останалите хора. Не преследвайте дефинициите на успеха на останалите.

Пътят към твоя успех е прост - изгради полезни навици, бъди постоянен и ги следвай ги като закон и той е неизбежен. Въпрос на време е да постигнеш и надминеш това, което си си мислил за невъзможно. 

Каква е Вашата дефиниция за успешна кариера?

Кариера, в която си полезен, уважаван и комбинираш работа, страст, призвание и мисия. Кариера е нещо, което правиш с удоволствие, любопитство, а не с нежелание.