Dentists are often perfectionists. That’s a blessing and a curse. It’s great to have high standards, but many dentists feel compelled to perform non-clinical tasks because they like things done a certain way. Unfortunately, putting too much on your plate is a sure recipe for high stress and endless frustration.

 If you feel over-worked and overstressed, try this… As you go through your day doing what you normally do, ask yourself, “Who else could be doing this task?”

 It’s amazing how many non-clinical and administrative duties dentists take on. Maybe when first entering practice, dentists had to pitch in here and there because their team was small and overworked.

 But there comes a point when dentists have to give away all those non-clinical activities that are eating up their time. That’s what the team is for, and that’s what experts for, whether they be accountants, payroll companies, consultants, etc.

 Remember, the more support in a person’s life, the more energy he or she has to produce high-quality dentistry and still have energy left over to enjoy other activities.

Just finished a reading a blog at Harvard Business Review on keeping New Year’s resolutions… the author cites a study that found only 12% people actually achieved their goals for the year.

That’s the bad news. The good news is people who achieved their goals had more success when they did two things:

1. Set specific targets and write them down
2. "Go public" – share set goals with friends and family

These two strategies will not only work in your personal life but also in your practice. In fact, Levin Group recommends doctors do both things. When you write down your goals and share them with your team, you are going to be more successful. It’s that simple.

So if you have a bunch of goals bouncing around in your head, put them on paper and then put them in front of your team. Be part of the 12% this year!

 

The other morning I read an in-depth article sent to me by a friend on the economics of wine. It is not that I am a big-time wine investor or connoisseur, but I find economic data in specific niche areas fascinating. 

The article clearly indicated that certain categories of wine are far superior to stock market returns. It was quite an eye-opener and made me realize that we all have opinions on the best way to do things without truly recognizing that there might be other alternatives or possibilities.

I am not suggesting that you start investing in wine but rather that you begin looking at different options rather than sticking with the conventional wisdom. This applies not only to investing but other facets of your life.

I find that many dentists, myself included, have the values of their parents. While many of these values are outstanding, we often hold onto some conventional beliefs that should be let go or at least modified. Then we spend a great deal of time and energy defending those beliefs and not being open to other alternatives.

So, what beliefs do you have that you may want to challenge this year?

 

As we begin a new year, what a wonderful time to reflect on all the good fortune that we have. Despite the fact that many dental practices are either flat or possibly in decline, we still have a tremendous amount of good fortune.

 Each night, I write down a list of five things I appreciate from the day. This helps remind us how fortunate our lives really are and how grateful we should be. It’s an effective technique because you will inevitably wake up the next morning feeling better, more positive and ready to go. It only takes a few minutes but it makes a tremendous difference.