Today, more than ever, chiropractors need to remember, "Life is a balance." Whether a recent graduate of chiropractic school or an experienced hand of 15 years, chiropractors often find themselves stressed by a multitude of pressures that create major imbalances in their lives. While these stressors have different roots, including student debt, business operation, and family strife, they all contribute to the same result: a dedicated health professional whose life is out of balance.
Perhaps better than any other medical professionals, chiropractors understand the effects that stress places on the body. Regardless of whether the stress is physical, chemical or emotional, the result is the same: an interruption of the body's ability to perform at its best because of spinal subluxation. While chiropractors see the effects of stress on their clients every day, they are sometimes unwilling or unable to recognize that stress is working on their bodies and minds in the same manner. The difference, however, is that chiropractors know better.
Let's look at the pressures that recent chiropractic school graduates might face in the first years of practice. When one receives a chiropractic degree, he or she also may receive a financial statement that shows a debt of somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000 for education. Though the interest rate may be low and the repayment terms aren't onerous, just the thought of starting out their new profession in a financial hole can be a major stress factor.
Then there is the situation in which the typical new chiropractor, who may be only 27 or 28 years old, with little business experience, and has to set up business and start making money. Two choices exist: team up with an old pro or open one's own office. Either way, the pressure is intense.
While joining an established practice may be less stressful, it has its moments: learning the ropes; establishing client trust and confidence; creating relationships with the other doctor and staff; perfecting one's techniques; and so on. On the other hand, starting a new practice from scratch is filled with stress. Almost every decision has a level of stress attached to it. Choosing a location; negotiating lease terms; recruiting and hiring staff; finding the necessary funding; and attracting clients can be very stressful events.
Although it is understandable how a new chiropractor can get caught up in the pressures of starting out, we must look deeper to determine how an experienced chiropractor might become imbalanced. One might think that a chiropractor that has been in practice for several years wouldn't have major stresses; the reality is very different.
First, there are those unpaid student loans: Debts of $50,000-$100,000 may take several years to go away. Then, what about the business start-up costs for that new practice? More borrowed money? How long before a positive cash flow allows a doctor to take a reasonable salary? Has the desired client base been reached?
As advertised throughout the chiropractic profession today, there is intense pressure on chiropractors to increase profitability by accepting divergent business concepts. For example, doctors are being told that the best way to increase revenues and profits is to do such and such, or follow this special approach, or sell these unique products. Chiropractors are bombarded with extensive advertising and promotion, all of which tells them that unless they join this latest program, they'll be left behind in the success race. This puts incredible stress both on those who choose to accept these new paradigms, as well as those who reject them in favor of "straight chiropractic" offices.
A deeper examination reveals that beyond the above business considerations, there are many personal concerns that may add even greater stress. For example, what happens when the doctor becomes so involved in healing that little time is left for family activities? As more time is spent at the office, less time is available for a spouse and children. Separation breeds discontent. Formerly close families become distant. Distances become greater and, in time, families fall apart. As it is widely recognized, the stress created by a failing marriage is second only to that experienced at the death of a loved one.
Another major stress factor occurs when chiropractors choose not to take care of their personal health. Failing to eat properly, take nutritional supplements, and exercise regularly always puts additional stress on the body and mind. As incredible as it seems, chiropractors, strong believers in the importance of a healthy body, often overlook their own health and thereby decrease their ability to perform at their optimum levels.
Is there nothing that can be done? Of course, there is. The first step is to remember, again, that life is a balance. From this simple statement, we can focus on five basic truths that will help anyone find the path back from imbalance to balance.
When you have your answers, write down a simple set of goals and deadlines that you will follow daily. Remember, write it down. Unless your "life plan" is written, it is just a dream.
Frank Gromling,MS
Flagler Beach, Florida
888-690-2455
frank@gromling.com
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