Finding Joy in the Grind: Why Giving Matters More Than Getting

Dec 17, 2025

In a thoughtful solo discussion, Dr. Grant Stucki emphasizes the joy found in giving over receiving. He shares provocative lessons from his residency, including the importance of being a proactive learner. The contrast between altruistic residents and those who take is highlighted, showcasing how a giving mindset enriches personal growth. Dr. Stucki reflects on the profound impact of mentors who prioritize teaching over income. He encourages listeners to embrace service, inviting them to identify someone they can help this month to rediscover purpose.

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ANECDOTE

Residency Lesson On Giving Back

Dr. Grant Stuckey recalls his residency chairman selecting residents who would "give back" to the profession.
That early message shaped his view of being proactive in learning and contributing to oral surgery.

ANECDOTE

The Cost Of A Taking Mentality

Dr. Grant Stuckey describes a resident who treated the program as something to take from and even cheated.
He warns that that mentality harms patients, colleagues, and the profession's reputation.

INSIGHT

Receiving's Joy Fades Fast

Dr. Grant Stuckey observes that joy from receiving fades quickly like a drug needing another hit.
He contrasts transient pleasure of getting with deeper fulfillment from giving.

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What keeps you going when the work is demanding and the days feel relentless? In this solo episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, Dr. Grant Stucki reflects on why giving often leads to deeper, more lasting fulfillment than receiving. He shares lessons from residency, mentorship, and years in practice, exploring how a mindset of contribution shapes both personal growth and the future of the profession. Dr. Stucki also offers a candid look at the time, cost, and intention behind producing the podcast, and the quiet rewards that come from helping others learn and advance. He also connects these experiences to a broader truth echoed by leaders, philosophers, and spiritual traditions, namely, that joy fades quickly when it is tied to what we receive, but it deepens when it comes from service. As the year comes to a close, this episode invites reflection on a simple but powerful question: who can you help next, and how might that generosity renew your own sense of purpose?

Key Points From This Episode:

Reflections on persistence, imperfection, and producing this podcast despite the challenges.
Lessons from residency on being a proactive learner, not a passive participant.
Choosing residents who give back to the profession, not just take from it.
The lasting impact of attendings who sacrificed income to teach.
Stepping back to ask what oral surgery has given you and how you can help others.
Why giving leads to deeper, more lasting peace and fulfillment than receiving.
What producing the podcast has cost, and why it has been worth it.
Why altruistic giving is more powerful when nothing is expected in return.
How giving back can help counter burnout and restore joy.
An invitation to help one person, or a group of people, and notice how it brings joy.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Giftology — https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059