All too often we can fall into a trap of seeing how incredibly challenging our work and our lives can be. We can spend a lot of personal energy fretting and worrying about obstacles that might get in the way of us reaching our goals. Another option is to embrace the fact that we create our own reality and we do have the ability make positive things happen. Let me tell you a story about someone who seems to have figured some of this out.

 

On a recent trip to Denver for a "Project Launch", I was helping a young dentist who is getting ready to open the doors of a brand new practice. As I was unpacking my box of supplies, I showed him the giant white folder with “Operations Manual-Dr. Taylor Workman” on the front cover.  When I opened the folder to show Taylor that the book was virtually empty, he got SO EXCITED.  Taylor got it! This book was his to complete. He would be able to sit week after week in meetings with his team to explore and define all the policies and systems that they could imagine, supporting his dream of creating a world class practice.

 

Now please understand that I have delivered many empty folders, and never have I seen the enthusiasm and the genuine sparkle of pure possibility that I witnessed with Taylor. It was amazing how energized we both got as he began to explore just how many ways this book could become a living, breathing, dynamic, interactive experience! Immediately Taylor could see the pages filling with his vision, scheduling templates, financial systems and clinical protocols.  He could feel the importance of clearly defining roles and responsibilities for his team members. Most of all, he could be in touch with his role as a Leader. Taylor now could hold himself accountable in a new way,  making sure that what is in writing is what is being lived each and every day.

 

If I could wave my magic wand for change, it would be with the intention of helping every individual hold an appreciation for the possibilities of an empty book. Taylor is doing it!