It has been said that some people are in our life for a reason, some for a season and some for a lifetime. Whether it is true or not it can be a useful way of looking at life and practice.
Let’s consider each of these groups for a minute.
REASON…
How often do you get all bent out of shape because a person, situation or event has occurred when you think it “shouldn’t” be the way it is – it should be better, different or otherwise? How often do you lose sight of the reason that something is happening?
I am sure that from time to time some people come into your practice who seem to be from another planet. Their expectations and behaviors are totally unrealistic and their health habits are beyond bizarre. They may not accept your position or may wish to drive their care in their way – not yours.
When you accept that maybe these people come into your life and practice for a reason you can then track on the message that they bring you rather than getting frustrated with the fact that they are not getting the message that that you have for them.
Consider the ‘reason’ that they are with you, not from a point of blame or from one of you being the victim but from one of the learning that they are bringing you. It may be the reminder to be present, to establish better rapport, to be more specific with your technique or more flexible with your communication.
SEASON…
Have you ever noticed that some people who you expected to be with you in your practice forever just fade out at some stage? Often we find that people outgrow us. Something else comes along that is better, more appealing or more invigorating for them and they leave your practice to pursue the new thing.
Be aware that, just as you and I are going through seasons in our life and practice, people are doing the same. As we pop to a new level of cognition, as we enter new chapters in our life we see life from a different perspective and therefore require different types and styles of input. This includes a different interaction with our chiropractic care.
The chiropractor that is aware of these seasonal shifts and is able to adapt and meet their needs will find that they are able to further enroll these people for the next stage of their journey. If you are not able to upgrade and meet people’s changing needs and likes you will find that they will move on at the end of their season with you.
Seasons in this context could be a style of care, a technique or a clinical objective. As with the seasons in nature, they are followed by another season. Nothing ever stays the same and likewise every season that you or your practice members are in will change heralding in another season. Stay on your toes and be constantly on he lookout for the subtle shifts that indicate that a person is working their way out of your practice – it will always be because you are playing too small.
LIFETIME
Whilst the seasonal people keep you on your game there is a risk that the lifetime people will lull you into unconsciousness. These are the people who are with you in your practice just because you are you. They love you, do as you request of them and are totally compliant. Pretty good you may say. I suggest that these are the people that make you rot. They are the people that you get dispassionate with. This is where practice stops being challenging and fun.
So, how about accepting a challenge? If there is a person who you think is there for a reason – get the reason – be grateful for the reason – handle the reason and let the person go. If the person is there for a season identify the season and call it for what it is – have the discussion about the future with the person and either call a new game or agree to part. If the person is there for a lifetime start to mix it up – make it challenging – interrupt the patterns – call yourself and others to a higher level and watch the passion of the seasons kick back in.
