The importance of being committed
com·mitted
/kəˈmit/ verb: committed
- To pledge or obligate one’s own self. To give over to another for a purpose such as care or safe keeping.
in·volved
/inˈvälvd/ adjective: involved
- Connected by association or participation
in·ter·est·ed
/ˈint(ə)rəstəd/ adjective: interested
- Showing curiosity or concern about something or someone; having a feeling of interest; an interest in sports
Most DCs are somewhere between these 3 levels of “all in-ness”. You can go up or down between these commitment levels. We may have, at one time, been really committed and because of external events we drifted back towards involvement, or even just interested.
Your practice reflects the difference of these levels, whether you know about this concept or not. Many think it’s all or none! You know, you either have commitment or you don’t…WRONG!
This concept is a way of life, an orientation of the world and its people, it’s the role you play. Are you in service to humanity or in service to everything that goes your way?
The lower down this commitment profile you find yourself at, the more difficult practice will be for you.
Let’s visit these levels in relationships and examine the difference:
The Tinder/Online relationship – Interested
I want something from the relationship and if anything goes wrong, I’m swiping left and running as fast as I can. The quit factor is very large because the commitment factor is very low. They are inversely connected. Wants all the benefits of being committed without being committed.
The Casually Dating relationship – Involved
I’m dating someone, but we’re not exclusive. I have more commitment than a Tinder relationship, but I haven’t deleted my Tinder app, plus I still look at match.com a few times a week. It’s more like a real relationship, but they aren’t devoted to their partner. They don’t believe their significant other is really there for them. Therefore, trust and commitment are held back.
The Real Relationship – Committed
This relationship is the central theme in my life. It colors and reflects everything I do. I am always extending this relationship in my language, thoughts and behaviors towards others. Acutely feel a connectedness to all people. This person would do anything for their partner and relationship.
How about being committed to Chiropractic?
Interested – It’s okay, but I am only willing to put in so much effort. What can I get out of Chiropractic? Very low levels of commitment and it shows by market value. Year One DCs earn $38,000 (a year, not a month!). Their language is peppered with external reasons for smallness like poor insurance coverage, their spouse doesn’t believe in Chiropractic, there’s a huge Chiropractic office right down the road, the list goes on. Interested DCs are willing to slave away as an associate or independent contractor…it’s less effort.
Involved – I really like being a DC, but people always seem to be scheming about insurance coverage, they never seem to get the big picture. All my patients are reluctant to commit to bringing in their kids, especially for wellness. I love Chiropractic, but deep inside, I do not trust in it. Maybe it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. There seems to be a lot of partial commitment in this office. Insurance coverage stops most of this DC’s patients cold. Practice is too difficult for them to really be devoted to Chiropractic.
Committed – I’m all in. When a patient enters my office, it almost doesn’t matter what they enter with (or without). My patients will always get my best effort. Like a great dog, this DC is loyal and devoted to all their patients, including those that are sometimes a bit cranky when they first arrive. For these Chiropractors, no matter what the appearance of the problem is, they never focus on it. They always focus on the solution..
When a DC wants to be recognized and rewarded more from Chiropractic, it’s crucial for them to step up their commitment before they can ask their patients to step up. Are you ready to be committed? Find out for yourself.
