Dr. Robert Harden has built a career in psychiatry, mental health policy, and clinical leadership, shaping the standards of patient care across multiple institutions. He earned a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Illinois Chicago and a doctor of medicine from Meharry Medical College. Later, Dr. Robert Harden completed a flexible internship at Weiss Memorial Hospital. His time with the US Public Health Service in Greenville, Texas, strengthened his foundation in general medicine before he transitioned into psychiatry.
His residency at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital marked the beginning of his specialization, leading him to serve in multiple leadership roles. As vice-chairman of the department of psychiatry at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, Dr. Robert Harden played a key role in developing policies that improved psychiatric care. From 1997 to 2003, Dr. Robert Harden chaired the behavioral health process improvement committee, guiding psychiatric reforms within the hospital system. His clinical expertise extended to positions such as medical director of children’s services at Green Oaks Psychiatric Hospital and consulting psychiatrist at Denton State Supported Living Center.
A diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Harden received the Sol W. Ginsberg Fellowship award for psychiatric excellence. Beyond his clinical work, he remains engaged in research and mentorship while maintaining an active lifestyle through sports and physical fitness.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I get up early, complete list of things I plan to accomplish that day, including what I do next, which is exercise. After exercise, I have a short period of meditation, focus on mind and body. Next, I work. After work, I spend time with family, friends, and hobby or interest. I end the day with a mild stretch and mindful appreciation. I make my day productive by reviewing and contemplating my daily plan.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by sharing them with trusted friends and family. Talking through possibilities, research related ideas and topics, researching available data relative to the idea.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing awareness of self-care, the exploration of human potential, alongside the development of technology and its enhancement of our understanding of ourselves, excites me.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Contemplating my daily plan. Revisiting /reflecting on my goals for the day and how far along I have progressed with them, keeping a positive mindset.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stay the course with greater confidence and attention to detail. You’re doing fine.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
A focus on relationships is much more important than personal or professional achievement.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Engage in physical activity to the point of exhaustion daily.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I withdraw and contemplate one thing at a time, typically starting with the easiest thing to address.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Trust in the importance and strength of relationships, and doing what comes next with composure and confidence, no matter what the challenge or stress.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Because of failure to recognize the value in a particular relationship, I failed taking advantage of what was being offered. The lesson taken away is to continue to practice commonly assessing situational details.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There is a tremendous need for parenting information availability. Establishing an online subscriber space that feeds daily tips to parents at the various stages of their child’s development.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google! I use it to search any question I have enthusiastically to learn new information.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Feeling Good by David Burns, MD. It offers information that is helpful towards understanding how to improve one’s emotional well-being.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed rewatching The Irishman. The acting was very good, the character development and storytelling aspects were excellent.
Key learnings
- Prioritize good health—without it nothing else matters.
- Consistency and calmness of purpose is important for moving forward and overcoming challenges.
- Planning and tending to the plan regularly helps you stay productive.
- Pay attention to details.
- Build supportive relationships—they are the key to success.