Is it Worth it? M UCH OF WHAT WE NRRD to learn about running a successful practice is not taught in chiropractic college. That's why seminars and conferences—held by practice management groups, consultants and associations—have become vital to chiropractors' developing flourishing practices. But today, some doctors are slow to attend seminars and conferences. Travel these days is hectic and sometimes stressful; finding the time to step away from your practice can be difficult and costly. Even if the seminar is on a weekend, it may require missing your kid's ballgame or, perhaps, some much-needed time to unwind. However, that being said, giving up on going to seminars or conferences reminds me of the story of the lumberjack and his ax. There once was a lumberjack, back in the day when trees were still brought down via the ax. This one particularly hardworking lumberjack worked as many hours as he could, so as to provide as much as he could for his family and keep his little enterprise solvent. But, in his haste to be such a diligent worker, he didn't take the time needed to sharpen his ax, and it became quite dull. He trudged out into the woods each day, whacking away with his dull ax—working harder than ever—and gradually losing productivity, regardless of how much effort he applied. Moral of the story: Working hard without sharpening your ax is foolish. Sharpening your ax We run into doctors who are like the frantic lumberjack who didn't bother to sharpen his ax—running around, constantly frantic. This mode eventually leads to burn out. Just because a doctor has managed to stay in business ten years, doesn't mean he has found a way to function in a stress-free, efficient manner. It is often paramount that a doctor take the time, energy and expense to attend a seminar. It will give you new ideas, perspectives and direction. Some things to consider: 1. An "injection of purpose." Let's face it: Find me a successful, stress-free practice and you will also find a chiropractor who is operating with a sense of "purpose." One does not exist without the other. What are you doing this for? Isolated, and running a hectic practice, you will forget your purpose. Oh sure, if asked what your purpose is, you may be able to verbalize what is it; but, if you aren't operating daily with your purpose on the forefront of your mind, you and your practice will begin to suffer. We are what we think about. You will become whatever consumes your thoughts. That might sound a little "Jedi Knight-ish," but it is true, nonetheless. If you attend the right seminar, you will find yourself with an injection of purpose—an injection that will fuel all additional courses of action. 2. Being part of a larger pur- pose. When you join a group and attend a seminar, you become a part of a "bigger movement," as opposed to just "going it alone." You end up surrounding yourself with peers who are on the same journey you are, and there is a real energy that goes along with that collective purpose. When you have shared goals and passions, it generates a stronger drive for doing what you do; there is a collective energy and synergy. 3. Can't see the forest for the trees? Attending a seminar gives you a new and more accurate perspective. Oftentimes, traveling away from your life and career and taking a step back brings clarity to your life decisions. You may have hunches here and there of what you "might think" is the right direction, but taking a break, getting the feedback of your peers and soaking in the content of a seminar can really bring clarity to what steps you need to make in your practice and in your life. Yes, attending a seminar takes time, money and energy, but not taking your resources to "get out there" will lead to your practice becoming stagnant and, possibly, cause you to suffer from burn out. That's not a good state to be in. Attending a seminar where it is "on purpose" is the catalyst for true advancement. In today's hustle and bustle, a doctor can easily lose his purpose and everything can lose its focus and direction. If you end up in a stress-filled state, you won't achieve the practice you seek and you certainly won't be having any fun. Take the time to "sharpen your ax" and soak in the "injection of purpose" and you will be amazed at the difference attending the right seminar will make. Dr. Fred Di Domenico graduated in 1987 from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. After twelve wars in practice, he began teaching for The Pettibon System™ and now is one of the founders of Elite Coaching, the most successful coaching system for doctors using The Pettihon Svstem™. Dr. Di Domenico can be reached hv phone at 1-800-696-9036. by email at [email protected]. or visit www.elitecoachingllc.com\
