Accelerate My Practice Blog

Today we discuss Napoleon Hill's book, Think and Grow Rich. To be clear, when Napoleon Hill discusses being rich, he is more often referring to the riches of life (happiness, great relationship, successful professions). All of these things of course added up to financial success. I didn't want anyone who hasn't read the book to assume it was all financial success only. It is far deeper and profound in thought than just making more money!!

One of the first principles discussed is having a "definiteness of purpose". I think this applies perfectly to dental practice success. Too many offices don't really have a purpose outside of seeing patients and restoring decay. The most successful ones, by contrast, really seem to have a greater purpose in what they do and why they do it.

As we all sit and reflect on last year and dream about bigger and better things this year for our dental offices, it is interesting to look backwards and move on from the past year.  Are the Holidays relaxing for you or stressful?  For many, they can be very stressful and can increase anxiety and thus start causing self-doubt and decrease self-confidence.  Is this how it was for you?

To help deal with all of this stress and anxiety many deal with, I suggest you get very focused on what is important to you.  Many tell me that they want to grow their dental practice.  When I ask why, they all tell me "to grow profit."  When I ask what that will give them, I often stump them.  What is really important to you?  Growing your income is only a vehicle to something.  Is it more time off?  Is it more vacations, more charitable giving?  Is it to support a loved one or send a child to college?  I think once you are focused on what is really important to you, you will find it much easier to work toward that goal with the motivation of sending your child to college, or having more free time, or more vacations, or retirement, etc.

Year-End Thoughts