Decide that your future is created and, then, decide how you are going to create it. An important metaphysical choice we must all make is, "Is the future . going to happen in a certain way, no matter what we do (fatalism); or, is the future created?" Most people choose the latter. It is far too depress- ing a thought to consider that we have no control over our des- tiny. Besides, there is an experiential sense of free will, which allows for present actions that lead to future outcomes. So, if you conclude that the future is created, then you must accept its corollary, that the actions you per- form today will detenninc the future. Humans are beings of volitional consciousness. This leads us to the conclusion that we have no automatic course of behavior, hence the necessity for humans to possess a code of values (moral code). It is not man's nature to live by blind instinct. As a matter of fact, we can't. Put a young child out in the wilderness to live by his/her instincts and that child will perish. It is by the use of reason that we survive and thrive. It is because we have the ability to perform abstractions that I have a keyboard to type on right now and you have paper in iront of you with blotches of ink on it that you can read. So, our actions are a byproduct of our values and our values are defined by a code of morality. If our future is created by these actions, then the future tomorrow should be a reflection of our values today. And our present should be a reflection of our values and actions from yesterday. This can be regarded macrocosmically and microcosmically. A major issue relating to this is how to create a moral code appropriate for humans to live and thrive on earth, and how contradictions in these values lead to destruction. That may be investigated in a future article; however, I wish to make a different point here. Some of our chiropractic leaders point to the way things are currently, and have a defeatist attitude of acquiescence. They sing the song of impotence. They build a straw man in their arguments. I was in a public debate with one such person and he stated, "I understand and believe in vertebral subluxation, but the public and scientific community won't accept it; therefore, we shouldn't use such words or position ourselves politically in such a way as to suggest that we are completely distinct relative to our innate, vitalistic understanding of health and healing and vertebral subluxation." This is paraphrased, but represents the essence of the argument. Let's not address the obvious immorality of such a statement, but rather look at the im- plications from a standpoint of the future. If the future is created, it means that, as a profession or as individuals, we are not im- potent but, rather, empowered to create it. On the microcosm, let's look at your practice. If it is struggling, your actions today can turn it into a thriving practice tomorrow. You are responsible. On the macrocosm, if our profession is misplaced, our actions today can put it in its rightful place tomorrow. However, actions today in contradiction to the values of chiropractic cannot result in chiro- practic evolving to its right- ■■ ful place. We are rcspon- sible. In this context, there is no conflict between the moral and the practical. You, as an individual, or we, as a profession, do not have to sell out our core values to survive or thrive. Use this article as a wake-up call to take a good hard look at your life and practice while assessing your values. Decide that your future is created and, then, decide how you are going to create it. Make it happen! I know you can do it. I know as a profession, we can do it. Your success as an individual is critical for the profession, as a whole, to succeed. Don't corrupt your values, but live them and thrive with them. The alternative is mediocrity. The choice is yours. Choose well. EZS A 19X3 graduate of Life College, Patrick Gentempo, Jr.. DC, is co-founder and CEO of the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance, in Maynood, NJ. and co-creator of the Total Solution program. An internationally renowned chiropractor, lecturer, and consultant, he has helped thousands of chiropractors achieve success and balance in their lives. For information about CLA seminars, products, and services, call 800-285-2001, or visit www,suhluxation.com.
