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Do you have the talent and the will?

There are many talented chiropractors practicing in the world today. There are also incredibly talented students in chiropractic colleges. If you're reading this column, you're probably one of them. The question is, do you also have the will?

Talented chiropractors share definite characteristics and abilities. They:

*** love the chiropractic principle, believe in innate intelligence and understand where health comes from ... understand the big idea ... know that healthy people create a healthy world and how the chiropractic lifestyle helps to accomplish this.

*** are great healers ... masters at removing interference ... get incredible results with all kinds of health problems ... attract all types of people with all kinds of diagnosed conditions, in all phases of their diseases.

*** educate their patients about the value of the chiropractic lifestyle for themselves and their families ... see many children in their practice ... teach their patients and their communities about wellness.

*** care deeply about their patients and communities ... love their work ... want the best for everyone they know and the community they live in.

Still, there are many talented chiropractors out there who have not yet fulfilled their chiropractic promise. Why?

Unfortunately, talent is not enough. You must also have the will!

You must have the will to stand up for what you believe in despite ridicule. The bigger your practice grows, the more you will be challenged. The more new patients you get, the more people in the community there'll be who -- not understanding who you are and what you do -- will put you down. You must have the will to follow your instincts, trust your gut, and do it anyway!

You must have the will to talk to parents about bringing their children in for care, even when they might be closed to the idea. You must have the will to talk to patients about financial issues, appointments, and attending your chiropractic orientation or "Human Potential Program" or "Chiropractic Mother's Morning Out."

And, you must have the will to go the extra mile.

You'll find there are times when you'll have to do more than is typically necessary to get the results you want and make a difference. You may need to go to the hospital to adjust a patient, call a non-supportive spouse of a patient, or write a letter to the editor. You may need to dismiss a patient who is not following your recommendations. You may need to spend extra time going to seminars training yourself and your staff.

You must have the will to overcome your fear of success and/or failure. At our "Chiropractic Breakthrough Experience" seminars it's always amazing to see chiropractors confront their fears and master their skills in telling the chiropractic story. Have you ever really thought about what is holding you back from being the chiropractor you know you can be?

Some chiropractors are afraid of success. They are afraid that if they really turn on their own power, they won't be able to handle it. On the other hand, some chiropractors don't turn it on because they're afraid of falling flat on their face. Either way, you must have the will to turn it on anyhow!

Have you ever had a decision to make and you were not sure what to do? Have you ever made the proverbial list of reasons why you should, and reasons why you shouldn't? You need the will to move forward and trust your innate intelligence!

Initially you may question your decision, but in the long run, you'll be glad you did.

Dr. John Webster, one of our 500/500 CLUB members, said to me one time when we were discussing the type of associates he likes to hire, "I don't necessarily want the best looking, most gifted people. I want the ones with the will and the desire." I can't say that I blame him at all.

Deep down, I believe we all have the will. Do whatever it takes to turn your power on. Remember, when you combine the talent and the will, "magic happens" with chiropractic!