#284 Living by Design, Not Default: Biggest Lessons from PIMDCON 2025 ft. Peter Kim, MD

Living Life by Design, Not by Default

Peter Kim opens the episode by reflecting on the excitement and energy following PIMDCON, the annual Passive Income MD Conference.

He describes how more than 400 physicians came together, both in person and virtually, to learn how to shape their ideal lives. Even after the event ended, he and his team continued hosting “Encore Nights,” three days of virtual sessions that extended the learning and connection. These follow-ups were meant to help attendees maintain their momentum and avoid falling back into old habits once they returned home.

Peter admits that it was exhausting for him and his team, but he felt recharged by being around inspiring people and hearing their stories. The main theme of the event was “Living Life by Design, Not by Default.” He contrasts the traditional physician path (study hard, graduate, complete residency, and work until retirement) with the idea that fulfillment comes from intentionally designing one’s life. He asks listeners to reflect on whether they are steering their own direction or letting others decide for them.

He shares that many attendees described PIMDCON as a “homecoming.” For returning participants, it was a chance to reconnect and see how far everyone had come. For first-time attendees, it was an opportunity to meet others who shared similar goals. Strangers quickly became collaborators, friends, and accountability partners. Peter highlights how powerful it is for physicians to be in a community that supports both personal and professional growth.

The Power of Solving Problems Together

Peter recounts one of the most engaging activities at the conference called “Power Networking.” Participants were divided into small groups of three or four people. Each person shared a personal or professional challenge while the others listened carefully. The group’s task was not to solve their own issues but to brainstorm solutions for the person speaking. Afterward, the speaker would choose the top two or three ideas that seemed most useful and plan to take action on them.

Watching this activity unfold, Peter noticed the energy and enthusiasm in the room. He points out how physicians are naturally skilled at solving other people’s problems, yet when it comes to their own challenges, they often feel stuck. He explains that self-doubt and overthinking can block creative thinking. In contrast, when helping others, people become more resourceful and see new possibilities with ease.

From this experience, Peter draws his first major takeaway: we all need others to help us see our blind spots. Having a small circle of peers who can listen and offer ideas can be incredibly valuable. He encourages listeners to form or join groups that focus on open conversation and problem-solving. According to Peter, collaboration helps build clarity, confidence, and momentum in ways that working alone rarely does.

Action Over Perfection and the Role of AI

Peter then shares stories from physicians who have built large investment portfolios, successful businesses, and innovations in health technology and artificial intelligence. From the outside, it might look like these people were simply lucky. However, their success came from taking consistent action, even when things were uncertain. They did not wait for perfect conditions; instead, they learned by doing and improved over time. Peter summarizes it with one message: the physicians who take action are the ones who become “lucky.”

He contrasts two ways of living. One is living by default, which means waiting for the perfect opportunity. The other is living by design, which means creating opportunities through movement and decision-making. Freedom and success come from taking small, steady steps forward, not from endlessly planning. He reminds listeners that you cannot think your way into freedom; you must act your way into it.

Peter also discusses the future of medicine and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. He acknowledges that many physicians feel anxious about how AI could affect their work. Yet, he urges them to see AI as a tool rather than a threat. Used correctly, it can save time, automate tasks, and help doctors focus on higher-level work and patient care. Peter encourages physicians to start learning and experimenting with AI now instead of waiting until it becomes a necessity. Those who do will gain more freedom, efficiency, and control over their professional lives.

Building Momentum Through Masterminds

Next, Peter shares his personal story of joining a mastermind group, which he describes as a major turning point in his life. Within one year, his income tripled. By the fourth year, it had grown twentyfold. Beyond the financial success, he found something even more valuable—a supportive network of like-minded individuals who encouraged and challenged him.

This experience inspired him to create a similar space for physicians called the Momentum MD Mastermind.

He explains that Momentum MD is not just about earning more money. It is about building an environment where physicians can grow together in both life and work. Members share their challenges, celebrate wins, and hold each other accountable. The group focuses on action-oriented strategies and continuous improvement. Whether members are launching new ventures or trying to find better balance in their careers, they benefit from collective wisdom and structure.

Peter invites listeners to explore joining Momentum MD. He emphasizes that spaces are limited and that the mastermind is designed for physicians who are ready to take meaningful steps toward personal and professional freedom. He reminds listeners that surrounding yourself with the right community can completely change your results. By connecting with others who share your drive and values, success and fulfillment become far more achievable.

Setting Priorities and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

Peter closes the episode by sharing a live demonstration he gave at the conference involving rocks, pebbles, and sand. It illustrated how people often fill their schedules with minor tasks first, leaving little time for what truly matters. The “sand” represents busywork such as charting and meetings. The “pebbles” are career goals and hobbies. The “big rocks” are family, health, purpose, and service. When we start with sand, the important things never fit. His challenge to listeners is to reverse that order and schedule the big rocks first.

He offers a simple but powerful exercise for the next 90 days: choose one major priority, schedule it in your calendar, and protect that time. By doing this, you take control of your energy and focus. Peter explains that living by default means letting others dictate your time, while living by design means choosing what truly matters and building your life around it.

Finally, he reflects on the sense of connection he witnessed at PIMDCON. Unlike typical medical conferences where attendees rush to leave, people at this event stayed, talked, and formed real friendships. He believes that proximity is power and that surrounding yourself with action-takers and positive thinkers can transform your life.

Peter encourages listeners to evaluate who they spend the most time with and to intentionally seek communities that foster growth. He ends by asking reflective questions about action, leverage, and priorities, reminding everyone that the path to an intentional life begins with choice and consistent action.