Island time for doctors by Dr. Don Aronson ... a Dental Economics exclusive!
Several years ago, I had a real "eye-opener" from one of my patients.
He was from an island "somewhere in the Pacific" and when I asked him about his homeland, he made the comment that he really missed living by "island time." Not knowing exactly what he meant, I asked what this was, and his answer really awakened me as to how we exist in the high tech world in which we live.
In a "nutshell", I learned that the inhabitants got up when the sun came up, and went to bed when the sun went down. Cars were almost non-existent, and when you said you were coming to see someone, no time was specified, and it meant "I'll see you when I see you".
Life is casual, simple, and people enjoy the beauty of the day, the flowers, and each other. Compare that to our lifestyle. We live by the calendar, our schedules, and more specifically by the watch. Father forgive us if we're five minutes late (because our office manager won't)!
How does this relate to you? Because of the pressures of our daily lives in our "advanced" society, we have become a world of humans who accept nothing less than instant gratification.
Especially from our professionals! We're hammered with "Get Rich Now", "John Doe made $XXX the first day he opened his office", "Attend our seminar now for only $XX per month, and just count the money coming in" all the while, omitting telling you to count the money as it's going out!
In our professional lives we too are hammered with new ideas, new products, and management companies who continually offer you the moon.
So what do we expect? We want it NOW! What's wrong with this scenario? We've become a land of hypertension, heart problems, divorces, and stressed out individuals!
How are we going to correct all of this and still become financially independent? Let's take it in steps and remember that the largest mountain can be moved...one rock at a time!
First, outline your goals...you'll never obtain anything unless you know what you're looking for.
Second, plan how you're going to find your goal, and then proceed a step at a time...After all, it took God six days to create the world, and He rested on the seventh. We all know God's timing is perfect...why do we expect to "have it all right now"?
Third, have fun doing what you're doing. If you are "pushed and shoved" into accomplishing your goal, you might as well not be doing it, because you'll be so worn out when you "arrive" you won't enjoy the fruits of your labor".
How many times have you heard of wealthy individuals saying they'd give up everything if they only had their health back?
Be different...enjoy your life, don't expect "overnight" success, and be grateful for all the beauty around you...your family, your staff, your friends, and above all, "take time to smell the roses".
Finally, keep working at what you want to do, enjoying it as you progress, and always keeping your eyes on your goal and "the big picture".
Here's an example for you to remember: We all love "lush" lawns and we put hours, days, and weeks into seeding, fertilizing, watering and mowing. Knowing this will result in a lawn we will truly enjoy. How many of us stay up all night and spend all day watching that grass grow?
The bottom line here is that we all must keep our focus on our goals, seek out the information we need, water and fertilize our crops by utilizing that information, continually improve on what we're doing, and be persistent in our efforts. Then too, your practice and your success will result in something you can truly enjoy (just like your lawn).
I've heard that Confucius once said "Man have to sit for a very long time before roast duck fly into his mouth". I don't know if that's true or not, but I do know that if you strive for success it will surely come to you, but you have to work for your own success...keep focused on that success!
Finally remember, life is a journey...enjoy the trip! Live your life as the islanders do...enjoy the beauty around you, and have fun.
Author information: Dr. Don Aronson, "The e-Doctor", is the editor of "Doctor's Dreams" a monthly subscription newsletter for professionals to improve their income and add quality to their lifestyle. His Web site is www.cybizops.com/doctor.htm.
