In life and career, orthodontists can be competitive. That spirit helps overachievers climb to the top of the class and allows entry into competitive dental specialties. With class ranks and test scores, the aim to be “better than the rest” drives the performance of a dental student and orthodontic resident. Once we get into real life and business, this continues as we strive to be the best orthodontic practice in our area and amongst our peers. We can nurture this competitive spirit, but many learn a different approach to improving vs. winning.
Better than
When we want to be better than others, we externalize or focus. The “better than” orthodontist often observes their neighbor and competitor down the street. They may adjust fees or recruit staff members from the other doctor to gain a foothold over the competition. This mindset can sometimes lead to gains as we drive to beat the other. The underlying issue is that we allow external factors to guide our inner ambition and narrow our purpose to beat the other guy. Many external factors can lead us down a path of unfulfillment by aiming to keep up with the Joneses.
Better as
The orthodontist who lives the “better as” philosophy focuses on how they can be better inside out. Strive to be better as an incredible team. Better as a leader in their practice and community. Better as an improved version of themselves. The internal focus on improvement becomes the critical component of this mindset. When we strive for internal improvement and constant and deliberate change, we create a virtuous cycle of real and purposeful change. A better version of ourselves invests internally in our interests and focuses on our strengths and weaknesses: this personalization and deliberate internal work drive better fulfillment, improved business results, and a better life.
