April 2008

Reluctant justification factor

by Dr. Timothy J. Gay

Whenever you are asked to do the simplest things or the most complex, something clicks in your head that will either create a decision -- or not. It can happen with any decision that continues to go unmade. It becomes a mountain from a mole hill. This is that period of time from conception of an idea or thought to the decision-making process that you have patterned to be active or inactive.

Choices are always our own, and too often, many of them are put on the back-burner. If it is a decision based on life or death, obviously there is little choice but to make it. Otherwise, we are faced with several decisions per hour in our personal or professional lives and some we simulate and take action on and others we let simmer until it's a bigger issue. Why? The reason is easy to understand.

We are justifying our inaction to make a decision through a process of thinking called "reluctant justification." This process is the overpowering urge to do nothing rather than something, based on a rationalization of current thought patterns that are our defense or barrier from getting things done.

And guess what? It is contagious. I would venture that many of the people around you have the same problem, because we tend to migrate toward people who have the same patterns as our own.

The factor that creates this paralysis is generally either the fear factor or the lazy factor. Patterns show that doing the same thing over and over leads to the same results, yet breaking those patterns unless recognized and changed, will continue to justify why you are where you are. What are you willing to change in you to change where you are? Certainly, if you can justify not doing it, if you change on the inside first, you can change on the outside. It comes from your true determination and regained confidence in what you are and what you do.

Let's face it, if you want to change, you need some help along the way. What does your goal wall look like? What affirmations do you have pasted to your mirror? A friend of mine reminds me that thoughts are things, so what are you thinking to justify where you are?

My affirmation as a coach is simple. I believe that we need people around us who have more experience and will help us to focus and center. The affirmation is as simple as what it reflects: only YOU can make it happen.

Reluctant justification means that you are willing to suffer a consequence due to procrastination based on whatever you can justify in your mind. If you want more, do more. Without risk and change, it can't happen.

Make a list and follow through with your change and stop blaming the economy, your wife, your CA, work comp, insurance or anything else. The first person who needs convincing is the one looking back at you in the mirror. Sometimes you have to get mad before you do anything about it. It could be a course in self-analysis but whatever it is, find out what drives you to change, buckle your seatbelt, and get going.

Despite wanting to blame someone (or something) else, you are the only hold-back. Start reading books and start defining yourself to be what you want to be, not what someone else expects you to be.

Start acting the part of a doctor and healer. Did I say healer? I hope so. Be more compelling and controversial rather than trying to fit in. Find the true you, and become comfortable with who you are and what you represent in your practice, your community, and this wonderful profession. Constantly work on learning technique, philosophy, procedures, and implementing new ideas. The idea that you live in the world of many who suffer from the plague of justifiable reluctance stops right here, right now.

This is your time go out and prove yourself. If you are not a member of your association or not sending money for political action in your area, start there. Then, join the thousands who are already members of the alliance because we can make the big difference together.

Become justifiably willing and a part of the solution and forget the past. This profession is all about you and your contribution to chiropractic so get started NOW!

(Timothy J. Gay, DC, a 1977 Palmer College graduate, is the founder and director of Ultimate Practice Systems, a chiropractic management and consulting company specializing in personalized chiropractic consulting [on the web at www.ultimatepractice.com]. A highly respected and nationally recognized speaker, he is the author of several books, as well as numerous CD and video products for the chiropractic profession. Dr. Gay holds seminars around the country on a variety of topics and may be reached by calling 1-866-797-8366, or via e-mail at timothygaydc@ultimatepractice.com.)