September 2005

Chiropractic success is not true success without work!

by Dr. Robert Schiffman

When you think about what makes people successful, you don't always think about the work that was put into being successful. I have studied at length what might be considered elements of true success.

I've watched and studied people and organizations to determine what's made them the best, because being good just isn't enough. I want to know what people and organizations possess that make them leaders in their endeavors.

I'm not interested in getting to the top. I want to do things that make a difference, but not as a one‑time or sometimes thing. I want to make a difference all the time and be the best at making a difference in peoples lives ‑‑ in the lives of my family members, my patients, and everyone I come in contact with.

I've learned a great many things in my pursuit of being the best that I can be. I'd like to share a few of the lessons I've learned from diligently observing people and putting things into place in my life.

One thing we need to remember when striving to be successful chiropractors, is that failure is quite possibly inevitable. People spend a great deal of time and energy trying to avoid the inevitable, but everyone fails.

When you remember your first day out of school, you probably could tell stories. I know I could. The huge difference is that the truly great and successful people not only learn from failure, they embrace it. When you think about it, in reality "failure" is just a word, but it carries with it a great deal of pain, frustration and anxiety. With failure comes fear and this is what has paralyzed so many dreams and so much potential through the years that it's become one of the most dreaded forces on earth.

I've seen that only those who learn to harness failure and make it work for them can truly achieve great things. Through my studies I've learned that failure is not negative. It's a teacher, by molding, refining, and polishing you so that one day you'll be able to shine your light for all to see. When you think about your chiropractic practice, it isn't the failure you experience that will determine your destiny, but your next step and the step following that will tell the story of your life.

The one thing you should be aware of is selfishness and the fact that it's the root of all failure. I've never met a selfish person who's truly successful. There are people who certainly are selfish and have money and material possessions, but they may not be content, have a lot of friends or even have peace.

I've met many very talented people who couldn't reach their potential due to selfishness. I've seen very promising practices fail due to greed and selfishness. I've seen families broken and suffer due to the effects of selfishness. In my time, I've seen chiropractors with a great deal of intelligence squander their talent and dreams for selfish interests and instant pleasures. I've seen parents reject their children for instant gratification, and athletes ruin careers for the pursuit of selfish gains. I've come to believe that there is no good in selfish desires, however, I've learned that they're real and falling victim to them is easy. That's why you need to stay focused and complete the tasks you've planned.

The first sign of selfishness is being angry or walking around like you have a chip on your shoulder. Another sign would be to think that people owe you something. These emotions are what destroy practices, families, and relationships. A by‑product of selfishness, when linked with fear and shame they're like driving forces for human behavior. Those who learn how to make these emotions work for them are the ones who achieve success. It's unfortunate that most people struggle through life falling victim to these emotions and never truly learn how to make them work.

Belonging, achievement and recognition are some things vital to people to make them feel successful. When you look at successful chiropractors and their practices you'll find that they have an uncanny ability to make people feel as though they're special. Almost every successful aspect of society does this on some level. One of the keys to this is by making people who see themselves as misfits and failures feel a very strong sense of belonging, achievement and recognition. Successful ball teams and businesses do this. They have a great talent for making people feel as though they belong and have achieved. They recognize people for being someone special.

Ralph Waldo Emerson captured it nicely when he said:

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

Studying under CS Gonstead ignited Dr. Robert Schiffman's passion for chiropractic. The Life University graduate's career accomplishments have won him much recognition, and he is one of the most sought‑after speakers in chiropractic today. Dr. Schiffman ‑‑ founder of the Get the Big Idea Seminars and Coaching Programs ‑‑ continues to maintain one of the world's largest volume practices. Contact him by calling 877‑251‑0181, or visit online at www.getthebigidea.com.