I was speaking with a terrific Masters Circle member last week, Dr. Otto Portmann from Puyallup WA. Dr. Portmann is a fascinating man, very well-read and well traveled, and has a clever creative streak a mile wide. Though he is in his mid-sixties, he looks fifty and acts forty, with a contagious joie de vivre and a willingness to take on all new challenges with enthusiasm.
Anyway, Otto told me that he had to let one of his CA’s go, because she just didn’t seem happy in the job. He sat down with her and said, «Everyone is called to something — what are you called to?»
In a simple question, Otto had tapped into the mother lode of dedication and commitment. You and your staff must be compelled to come in every day for some other reason besides obligation — only then can you expect the results that come from a full application of your energy, spirit and expertise.
This sounds like a lot of work, unless the desire to follow through and accomplish the task at hand is intense and passionate. If you or anyone on your team feels that the focus and hard work are too much, it’s time to check your purpose — when your purpose is clear, you are better equipped to forego certain pleasures and withstand certain pains on the way to your goal.
This is what Otto was referring to when he asked his CA about her calling — those chiropractors and assistants who feel they were «called» to chiropractic build better practices and more fulfilling lives.
Here’s the irony — even thought the concept of a «calling» seems very esoteric, it is actually available to everyone, if we only pay attention to what’s going on inside of us. After all, what is a calling if not our inner selves calling out to be heard and considered? We just have to listen.
I had a private conversation with a lovely Masters Circle member who decided to leave practice to become a minister. I was touched by his sincerity, and wished him well, but I couldn’t help thinking — if all chiropractors felt as strongly about their «calling» as this gentleman does about his, where would chiropractic be? If you felt that strongly, where would you and your practice be?
Be honest with yourself and look at your degree of involvement with your practice. Evaluate your time and energy investment — does it seem from your track record that you’ve been acting like someone who feels chiropractic is a true calling? This is a point to ponder, because if you can sincerely say yes to this, you are destined to build a better practice — and if not, you still have the option to get more fully engaged, to throw yourself headlong into this marvelous profession which provides the answer to the question that so many are asking these days — how can I improve my quality of life, increase my longevity and be well in the process?
Examine your sense of purpose, and see if you believe you were «called» to chiropractic — it will empower your communication with those you seek to influence, help you help more people, and give you strength on those tough days when you really need it.
Dennis Perman DC, for The Masters Circle
PS You’re probably already starting to see and hear about The Masters Circle Third Annual SuperConference — this one is going to be the biggest and best yet! In addition to guest presenters Guy Riekeman, Patrick Gentempo, Bill Esteb, and a host of other chiropractic superstars, we’re also featuring world-renowned psychologist and self-help expert Wayne Dyer and best-selling author Jack Canfield of «Chicken Soup For The Chiropractic Soul» fame! What a line-up! Join us and feel proud to be a chiropractor. Please call 800-451-4514, or visit our website at themasterscircle.com.
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