Fundamental Edict:
"Everyone needs chiropractic care. Not everyone needs YOUR chiropractic care."
Last time, we spoke about the first lesson:
Lesson 1- "you cannot be all things to all people"
Recap
...leaving everything I had built thus far, completely changing the model of care to align with my philosophy, and only accepting patients on a similar path.
So, what's the problem?!
Just do it! (according to Nike).
Easy to say, not so easy to do.
My board
When I started on my path, I learned that having a support system was imperative.
What is a support system?
It is a group of people you can rely on to give you honest feedback and direction without personal investment. Repeat- "without personal investment."
Most of the people in your life give you advice based on what THEY think is best for you. Seldom do we have people support us despite the fact that they may personally disagree with our decisions.
My board at the time was a collection of eclectic individuals from life coach, root worker, brand designer, business psychologist and wife. I ran this hair-brained idea past them. They helped me to realize that anything that you are passionate about is going to work.
It's going to work.
Your Fears are Imaginary
My rootworker had me make a list of my top fears related to this life change. I thought it was going to be a mile long.
There were three items: huh?!
It will fail miserably and so will I.
I will have no money and my family will suffer.
I will lose everything (practice, home, cars...my stuff).
She went through each one and we discussed them: (please feel free to try this yourself)
What would be the worst case scenario if each of those things happened or if all of them happened?
What evidence did I have that it would happen, based on my past experience?
What was the best case scenario if none of them happened?
I realized that all my fears were essentially made up. I had no evidence that I would fail. In fact, all my evidence pointed to "whatever happened, things would eventually work out."
My personality was not one of quitting, so why quit now?
Funny how we predict doom and gloom by default... I hate it.
The Power of WE
The others helped me with everything else.
Create my brand.
Interview people.
Logistics, culture, "holding space."
But most of all they made sure I knew that I was supported AND there was a lot of use of the word "WE."
As in,
WE are going to work on a brand.
WE are gonna figure out the model.
WE are going to make this work.
WE are going to find the right people.
WE are going to do great!
Lesson 2: "Trust the power of WE"
I learned that day that I was suffering because I felt like it was all on ME.
I was the one that was unhappy.
I was the one that needed to be more true to myself.
I was the one who decided to radically change things.
I was the one that was afraid.
I was the one with this "great idea." ;-P
And living in a state of "I" is terrifying.
But a state of "WE" is amazing!
WE gives you the strength to take that first step and keep stepping forward until the day comes when you realize "it worked!"
Your support team does not have to be "experts" in the areas you are looking for. You just need people who you know will support no matter what. They have your best interest at heart and even if they do not agree with your decision, they are there to support you whenever you need it.
So step away from your "I" mindset. And begin to move forward by putting Trust in the Power of WE.
To be continued...