Many tasks of everyday life in a dental practice can become tedious.
Often the same person finds they always seem to be the one either taking the A-frame sign in and out, or the rubbish bins out on bin day, or tidying the staff kitchen. We persevere because these things need to be done in order for the practice to operate smoothly, and you don’t want to cause conflict by demanding everyone share the duties equally.
However if you tackle these tasks but feel resentful in the process, it only damages you.
Resentment depletes you. It saps you of energy and enthusiasm. So something needs to shift. And the best shift is the one that occurs within you.
1 – Be aware that you choose your reaction. Even a bad reaction is one that you personally choose. No-one makes you feel happy or sad, glad or bad. It is all a reaction that YOU have. So take the advice of JPPS co-founder Charles Kovess, based on thousands of years of wisdom shared by many renowned philosophers: “Choose to be happy”.
2 – There are benefits to performing these regular ‘maintenance’ tasks. Think of your life. There are many tasks that take time out of your day, such as washing dishes, brushing your teeth and mowing the lawn which, given the choice, you would prefer to avoid and do something else more enjoyable. You perform these tasks because of the life that it allows you to lead. It shows you have your life in order and enjoy living in a pleasurable environment. So, too, this mindset can work for you at your job. When you are performing the resentment-generating tasks happily, you are leading through example, taking the more responsible path and contributing to your own pleasurable work environment.
3 – Discipline makes your life better. It is through discipline that you achieve sustainable, long-term success. Rather than being lead by your impulses, discipline allows you to make informed, rational decisions based upon the goals you have for your life. Charles Kovess often says in his workshops: “Each act of discipline builds your self-esteem. Each failure to be disciplined decreases your self-esteem.”
I am reminded of one of my favourite quotes.
“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”Mahatma Gandhi
Be disciplined in not only the tasks you perform, but in your thoughts when performing them. It will shape your destiny! And any resentment will magically disappear!