December 2003

Watch what you say

by Dr. Jon Baker

As a consultant to some of the most rewarding, fulfilling and profitable practices in the country, I'm always amazed at how true these words are: "What we think about, we talk about and what we talk about, we bring about."

When we meet people who are having a tough go at it, whatever "it" is, they're always quick to tell us why things can't be done. Conversely, when we meet individuals who appear to be having a great life, it seems they're just as quick to tell us how they'll achieve the next project.

Think of how you have responded lately to the people in your life. Have you been quick to shoot down the ideas of others? Or, have you gotten excited and helped them get their project going?

About a year ago, a new chiropractor stopped by saying that he wanted to meet with me. Since I thought he was interested in an associateship, a meeting was set at my office. When he asked me whether Modesto was a good town to practice in, I replied "of course." He stated that he wanted to start his own practice in Modesto and asked me where I thought he should practice. My instant response was "as close to my office as possible."

My thought is that if we (chiropractors) were practicing initial intensive pain control care or correction, strengthening and rehabilitative care, or wellness care, or preferably all three combined ‑‑ there are simply a lot of people who would benefit greatly from chiropractic care!

The new doctor told me he had visited several offices that weren't doing so well and they all told him our town had too many chiropractors already. I thought about that and asked the young chiropractor if he had ever heard the following words as a child: "If you hang around with those bad kids you'll turn out like them." He said he'd heard that several times as a child. Then I asked him if he had ever heard the positive version of it: "If you hang around with those good kids you'll turn out like them." He laughed, realizing that a simple twist on words can sure create a different outcome.

Another example that comes to mind is when a doctor says that he needs new patients. I often ask a chiropractor if he or she is utilizing referral statements or giving spinal care classes. Often the reply is: "No, I just don't have the time." If you don't have the time and you not only think about not having the time but you tell others about it, guess what the result will be? You will not be bringing in more new patients.

When people say things like, "I'll be happy when I see 200 patients in a week" ‑‑ if their words are true ‑‑ that says to me they'll be unhappy until they get there. If you think patients flock to an unhappy doctor, you might need more help than you know.

A life‑changing exercise

I promise you that this exercise will change your life!

For the next 30 days, think ONLY positive thoughts and take ONLY positive words. If you happen to think something negative (and you will) instantly override that thought with a more empowering positive one.

Example: You're driving to the office and someone cuts you off and you have to swerve to miss a collision. Your instant response might be negative (and not even printable in the Journal). You can override that with a positive thought like "Wow! That was just the adrenaline rush I needed to get my day going ‑‑ Thank you!"

It may sound corny but it works. It may sound too simple but that ties in with another saying we've all heard: "Keep it simple." Incidentally, the first time I went a solid 30 days with only positive thoughts and words, it took me nine months and thirteen days.

Think about that.

(Dr. Jon Baker has been in active practice in Modesto, California since 1985 and runs New Beginnings Chiropractic Consulting and Seminars. His specialty is the one‑on‑one coaching/consulting of individual chiropractors and their staff on procedures, passion, profitability, and action steps toward creating dream practices. Call 209/915‑0957 for information on personal one‑on‑one consulting and upcoming seminars.)