Doc,
I’ve seen it happen to the best of them…
Letting personal situations, issues, or challenges poison the practice.
Outside of serious health problems, I don’t know of too many reasons why someone would allow their practice to suffer.
The ability to endure discomfort is a very valuable skill.
In my personal life, I’ve been through some really tough times (years) and I am positive that I wouldn’t be in business today if I let them get the best of me.
Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t sing and dance through these tough times. In one particular five-year stretch, to manage my sanity, all I did was work. It was a brutal time but thanks to my work, I got through it.
So if you are going through “stuff” right now, realize that the best way to compound the problem is to let it affect your work.
Also, realize that you are not alone.
Successful D.C.s go through similar or greater challenges than the one you may be going through right now.
It’s how you handle challenges that matters.
It’s the #1 predictor of your personal and practice growth potential.
So embrace your practice… at times it can be more than just “work”.
…It can be your lifesaver.
Take care of it.
Someday, it may take care of you like it did to me.
