Many high performance chiropractors suffer from what I like to call "high achiever's syndrome." It's a condition that can occur when a chiropractor, who appears to have everything (a high volume practice, a comfortable income and home) realizes that he or she is no longer satisfied with his or her level of performance or growth.

These kinds of super achievers, while appearing to "have it all" with regard to professional success, are feeling "imprisoned" by their own progress. Instead of owning and operating a practice that affords them the freedom to express more of their unique talents, they actually feel stifled by their schedule and commitments. They have lost their usual enthusiasm for their practice and are secretly wishing they could rush right out of an exit door as soon as they arrive.

Ironically, this temporary flirtation with escapism usually just masks a deep desire to access and contribute more of their unique talents and abilities to the world.

Because of their commitment to excellence, these high achievers continue to go forward with full momentum (adding more patients and services) even at the risk of further upsetting the precarious balance that already exists between their practice and personal life. They need avenues or principles by which they can lead a life of excellence without feeling that they have traded off everything else (their families, friends and themselves) at the expense of operating their practice.

When D.C.s come to us, they learn and put into place specific principles that will support their personal freedom while they grow a high performance practice. Our exercises help them to utilize their own genetic talents and power to serve more people and maximize their business, practice and financial lives.

Among the many strategies we offer to help them achieve a satisfying level of operation is that of writing their own personal "declaration of independence." We then teach them how to erect an organizational structure that will support and expand — rather than constrict — their freedom.

Dedication to lifetime chiropractic care for everyone requires that you express your talents and abilities each day you're at work (with your staff, patients and community) in a way that allows you to serve from spirit — knowing that you are doing what you were meant to do! Your staff is challenged and empowered to achieve operational excellence by employing a results-focused intention in every task performed and with every life touched.

One of the greatest gifts of adopting this model is that, not only do you regain your freedom, but you're able to tap into your creative energy more readily. With the organizational infrastructure in place to support your ideas, you witness them moving rapidly out of the realm of fiction and into that of fruition.

You have the formula you need to simplify your life, defining the activities you should avoid and those you should invest your time in for maximum results. It will clarify the energy investments you have historically made that undermine your true commitment to chiropractic and those that can support it.

Once you've experienced the freedom that this can create, the amount of enjoyment, confidence and love you bring to your practice will increase proportionally. Many D.C.s are realizing their dreams, leading their communities, inspiring their staff and still managing to take five or more weeks of vacation a year. You, too, deserve to experience this level of prosperity and fulfillment. Why settle for less?

(Dr. Eric Plasker is a chiropractor and founder of The Family Practice. Nationally recognized as a speaker and educator, he is best known for rallying chiropractors around the Lifetime Care For Everyone [LCfE] and Family Practice visions. For seminar, coaching, training, or product information, call The Family Practice toll-free at 866/LEAD-DCS [532-3327], ext. 118. Or connect online at www.thefamilypractice.net to find out how you can unite to help lead family health care.)