"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them." ~Henry David Thoreau~
Can you relate to this quote? I think that many dentists have fallen into lives of quietly and quite desperately wishing that they could have the practice they want. The vision that they started out with seemed exciting and attainable. So often, a young dentist enters practice with a sense of excitement and a feeling that no that he or she is out of school, life will be so much easier. Unfortunately, even in the best of circumstances, there will be some stressful, disappointing days. I an average set of circumstances it will seem that there's always a problem to solve. In the worst situation, it will seem like never-ending drama and stress. Where do you fall into these scenarios?
Where are you now, are you still hoping to get the perfect staff and grateful patients? A sane schedule and a reasonable A/R? Equipment that never breaks down and patients that show up on time and never cancels? The only thing that hoping does is this: it keeps you moving in the same direction. Hoping doesn't change anything, sometimes fate steps in a improves things and we give hope all the credit, but it really just keeps us from finding out how to take action.
Why did it happen? Do you avoid confrontation? Are you trying to be a nice guy? Do you want everyone to love you? Are you tired of the fight to get things the way you want them? Does it seem impossible to get a team that wants to work for your vision? Address any question that you answered yes to and decide on a solution.
What is the song that is in you that is slowly being choked out by desperation? You may have to dig down deep, but it's still there and you can still hum it if you try. Let it inspire you and help you see what you really want. There's no reason to settle for anything less than the full song and all it's verses. You get it by making it your intention. Decide now that you will stop the desperation and move to a realization of those long ago dreams. Make up your mind to take charge of your practice and sing the song you wanted to sing loud and clear.

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