Creating a Legacy
Why we all need to support pathways to the profession
By William N. Willis, D.C.
Throughout history, perhaps
the most important act of each generation is to pass along its own particular
legacy to those who follow. Beliefs, knowledge and hard won experiences are
all a part of such a legacy, as are accomplishments and the true meaning of
what it means to be alive and human.
The generation that fought and won World War II is rightly called the “Greatest
Generation.” At a moment in history when the fate of civilization hung
in the balance, as individuals and as a nation, they rose up and made every
sacrifice needed to be victorious over the forces of oppression and tyranny.
It isn’t mere hyperbole to say that if they had not stood tall during
that moment of crisis, the world in which we live would be very different than
it is today—and not for the better.
Every generation—both within nations and even within professions like
chiropractic—has the opportunity to pass along its legacy to those who
come after them. While not every generation has the record of courage found
in those who came of age during World War II, each one has something important
to tell and to share.
To fail to pass along to a younger generation what it means to be who you are
and what you’ve built and accomplished is, at the very least, a loss,
and in some cases, a real tragedy.
We in the chiropractic profession must make sure that we’re sharing who
we are with the children of our profession. As healthcare providers we have
something very special to offer to the world. We provide it every day to our
patients through the art of our adjustments. Yet, our time here is short and
our days as practicing doctors are limited. If we pass on without sharing what
we are with the next generation, they will not only be deprived of that knowledge,
but there is the danger that they may never find it. Whether you consider yourself
a mixer, a straight or just a plain old chiropractor, you can share what you
are with those who will take your place.
Within chiropractic some are doing a very good job of sharing their legacy.
There are whole families of sons and daughters who have followed the paths of
their mothers or fathers into the profession. They were taught from childhood
the philosophy behind what we do, and then when it came their turn, they were
able to access the knowledge and learn the techniques from a perspective of
understanding.
What do you really do when you pass on your legacy to the next generation?
Many of you may say “I don’t have anyone to whom I can pass my legacy.
I don’t have children, or my children aren’t interested in becoming
chiropractors.” The truth is we owe an obligation to the next generation
whether we are related by blood or not. If we truly believe in the power of
chiropractic and its ability to restore health and change lives, then every
young person who chooses this profession is our child.
Without a doubt there have been some who have chosen chiropractic because they
believed it was an easy path to the good life and wealth. It certainly has that
potential, and it’s not hard to find those who have done quite well financially
as doctors. Many professions are like that—whether it be medicine, sales,
banking, professional sports or what have you.
In every case, money is always the worst motivation for taking on any job—if
it’s your only one. And, the truth is that even those who are adept at
making money always yearn for something greater. We all want our lives to matter
and to be important—those feelings can only be found in service to a higher
cause. That’s where you come in.
When it comes time for you to retire, will you simply sell your practice and
fade away, or will a part of you live on in a young man or woman?
Will they share your excitement or passion for caring for patients?
Workplace research has found that nearly 60 percent of white-collar workers
actually say they hate their jobs. Another 55 percent say they have no passion
for the work they’re doing. Clearly most people are disengaged at work,
and that means they aren’t doing a very good job. You only become skillful
at something you love. If you have no deep feeling for your job, you’re
really wasting your time.
In work, as in everything else in life, most of the results are achieved by
the 20 percent who are truly dedicated to their work. Too many people are in
the wrong job and thus doing the wrong things and that is at the core of their
misery.
Often young people only find their true path when they meet someone who can
show them another way. That someone needs to be you. Helping them to find their
paths can be as simple as talking to them.
A few months ago, my wife hired a young lady for the front desk of our practice.
Just out of school, she was like so many young people—lacking direction
and with no real idea about where she wanted to go.
Over time, my wife shared with her how she had gone to school at a time when
few women were attending chiropractic school. She never had any doubt that the
profession was for her or that she could excel in practice. Inspired, the young
lady decided that she could do the same thing and has now applied for school.
Have you shared yourself with others? Your influence can be staggering if you
simply apply it. You can begin by doing something as simple as hosting a college
night for potential students in your office. Whether it’s for your alma
mater or some other school whose philosophy and approach to chiropractic education
you believe in, the most important thing is that you support the pathways to
the profession.
And, as you recruit students, you can continue to encourage and keep in contact
with them as they make their way along the educational path. Far too many young
people go off to school only to find that after showing them the path, their
field doctor closes the door behind them during what will be a strenuous and
demanding time.
In your own practice, you can bring on young doctors and become a true mentor
who helps them in their development.
Clearly, expanding yourself and giving to others in this way is not easy. Many
in the profession live and practice in fear. They say there are too many doctors
already and they know that competition is fierce. In the new associate these
doctors see someone who will leave them and take their patients. Better to keep
the potential competitors at bay and never open yourself to potential danger,
they think.
Of course, the truth is that if you live in fear, your obsession will always
be your reality. We all have to practice common sense in our business dealings,
but our true strength is in what we give, not in what we take.
Do you have a legacy to leave to others? In ancient times there was a practice
in which the ruler of a tribe would pass on the mantle—a loose sleeveless
coat worn over outer garments—that became the symbol of power and knowledge.
Our generation, as well as each of us as individuals, has the opportunity to
pass on to those who come after us the mantle of power and authority that we
each possess. Not to do so is to leave unfulfilled one of the great promises
and opportunities of our lives. By passing on our profession to others we are
given the opportunity to live on in those that take our place.
About the Author: William N. Willis, D.C., is a veteran writer, practice
management consultant, teacher and practitioner. A 1977 graduate of Life University,
he founded and operates a highly successful practice in Kennesaw, Ga. He is
the author of the forthcoming book The Essential Secrets of Practice Success
due out this fall. You can address inquiries to Dr. Willis via email at drbillwillis@aol.com.
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