June 2008

Change

by Dr. Ogi Ressel

You want to see more children in your practice, more families, be more of a wellness doctor, but have no idea how to do it. I totally get it. But, in order to have all that, some things may need to change! So, let's talk about CHANGE for a moment.

The word "change" is a cause of great discomfort for many doctors. It makes people simply cringe. Why? Because it sometimes means that the complacency they've been accustomed to will/might be altered -- and/or even swept away. They'll be exposing themselves to risk. Oh, my!

They may feel uncomfortable, lose what they have, face fear, face the unknown or something even better (what a concept!).

And their change may bring about some level of ineptitude and clumsiness. To all that, I say absolutely!

But, let's look at the other side of the coin.

Change is a dynamic process, one by which you shed old habits, old attitudes, outdated ideas, constipated thinking, and the rubble of ancient assumptions -- mostly about yourself!

It often heralds a new beginning, a brand new start, a new and exciting chapter in your life. It expands your horizons, initiates self-growth, wipes out your outdated comfort zones, and expands your vision. Amazing!

Yet, change also involves a degree of risk and risk is what many doctors have a great deal of difficulty with. Most doctors I speak with are so overwhelmed with survival -- few new patients, low patient volume, low income, and low self-esteem -- that any change in their lives often evokes overwhelming fear. It's a fear of loss… losing what they're just barely hanging onto.

Your perspective will determine whether or not the process of change is painful. Mostly, it's exciting and joyful, like self-discovery. It's all in how you look at it. But one thing is certain. If you're not changing, you're dying. There's no such thing as coasting through life.

Sometimes the Universe decides that change is just what we need, that we've coasted enough and we're presented with "opportunities" for growth. These may even be disguised as problems. That is incredibly exciting, for now we can choose our change. If we don't, change is forced upon us, whether we like it or not. That's one certainty we can always count on!

Remember this truth: You'll only change when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change.

That's the reason so many doctors seem to merely exist -- they simply haven't suffered enough. When they've finally reached their limit, they will change. The sad reality is, why put yourself through that agony?

The biggest problem is that period between staying the same and the point at which you finally make the decision to change. It represents uncertainty, confusion, self-doubt, fear -- all emotions which are unpleasant -- but normal. The really interesting aspect of this emotional roller-coaster is that once you decide to change, a great peace and calm magically descends upon you. However, that calm is short-lived, only to be quickly replaced by the sheer excitement and joy of the change you've chosen!

Personally, I love change and welcome it. I hate being stagnant.

In order to have a positive change in your life, you must keep your eye on your goal. It must be a burning desire in your heart, something that permeates every fiber of your being. You must be able to taste it, to touch it, and to caress it! You must already BE it long before the experience has manifested itself!

Let me illustrate.

A few short years ago, a young man lived in Toronto and was so poorly off that he lived in the downtown distillery area of the city in his rusty, beat up '91 Nissan Sentra. His car was his home. But his dream was to one day be the lead singer of a rock band. At that same time, the well-known Australian band, INXS, held auditions all over the world for a lead singer. This young man won their audition. At a press conference, he was asked if he ever dreamed that this would ever happen to him. He said, "All day, every day. That's all I ever dreamed about." His name is JD Fortune. There was no "luck" involved. He manifested that which he already was!

Change is the only thing we can count on in life. So, help the Universe out in this process. Dream big and your dreams will become reality. Dream small and that will also manifest in your life. The choice is entirely yours -- the Universe will provide one way or the other.

Emerson once said: "The precursor to every action is a thought." So, don't focus on lack, few new patients, not enough visits, little income, missed appointments, etc. Why? Because what you think about most will become your reality: LACK.

Instead, dream and focus on your ideal practice -- the one you will have shortly -- and establish a deadline for it. But, at the same time, be smart. Take the risk factor out of the equation and enroll in a program that will teach you to be the absolutely best doctor your community has ever seen. Ever.

Invite change into your life and stand up and cheer when it happens. It's a good thing!

The other interesting concept is that people will only change when they are in a crisis. So, go out there and have a crisis! And enjoy it! And know that at the other end of the process, you will be worth something.

With that in mind, I'd like to tell you about a change that is happening in my life. As many of you know, I lost my wife to cancer one year ago. I experienced doubts, fears, and a feeling that chiropractic had abandoned her. And, although I'm very purpose- driven and goal-oriented, I felt I'd never again meet another woman who would take my breath away. Well, I was wrong!

Leslee and I have been seeing each other for the past few months and the energy and excitement I feel is nothing short of electric! It is something I wish for all of you, as you seek your change on your journey.

Change.

Please enjoy the ride.

(Dr. Ogi Ressel, author, researcher, and an x-ray and pediatric specialist, teaches The Practice Evolution Program, the "fastest-growing coaching program on the planet." Visit online at www.practiceevolution.com and take the Practice Health Mini-Checkup. Dr. Ressel may be contacted by e-mail at drogi@practiceevolution.com or by calling 800-353-3082. Interested in receiving his weekly THOTS "on seeing tons of children and families in your practice?" Send him an e-mail and asked to be added to the list.)