Life is a Checkerboard

One recent morning while rereading Napoleon Hill, I came across this quote. Now, he has it in quotations too, but does not attribute it to anybody else.

“Life is a checkerboard and the player opposite you is time. If you hesitate before moving, or neglect to move promptly, your men will be wiped off the board by time. You are playing against a partner who will not tolerate indecision”.

So, why then, in the face of numerous challenges in practice today do so many doctors just back away from essential decisions and allow their own futures to be jeopardized or their livelihood and professional futures held hostage?

Quite simply, I believe its fear, and most especially, not knowing what to do first. So many just shut down, and take the path of least resistance.

The good news is, with appropriate tools, you too can develop the learned skill of making rapid and more effective decisions. That’s what I see from focused doctors. That is why focused doctors are or learn new ways to become true care givers, and not insurance pawns. In the process, they fall in love with their profession once again. Their practice blossoms, financial security and fulfillment ensue. This can be you too.

So, how can you get results? Start by taking a hard look at where you are right now. Have you drifted off course? More importantly, are your daily actions and attitudes moving you closer to your targets or not?

Focused people know what they want to achieve, in specific, detailed terms.

Don’t forget, your life right now, is a product of the decisions you have made (or failed to) so far. This of course includes your professional practice. The first step in getting back on track is to acknowledge this fact. Take responsibility as paramount!

Since decision making is a skill, it can be learned. But it has to be specific to the situations at hand. This is where asking for the council of others with the business training and experience can really help, especially in a complex arena like today’s private practices.

And remember, real success is built upon strong foundations. What better way to achieve it than by working with those who have already mastered the skills you may need to acquire.

So, start by being a better asker! You will be glad you did.

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