Breaking in new boots
I’ve always wanted a pair of Doc Martens boots. Something about the iconic and instantly recognisable design appeals to me.
Prior to buying a pair I did some research. It turns out that there is a long break-in period.
You don’t put them on and they are instantly comfortable. You need to break them in over several weeks or even a couple of months.
That was my experience. The boots were tight and rubbed blisters on both heals but now that they’re broken in, they are really comfortable and great to wear.
It struck me that it is the same way with learning new skills in your practice.
Having taught case acceptance to dentists for over 10 years I find that dentists fall into one of three categories:
They don’t even try the new techniques I teach. It is too different from what they do now.
They try the new techniques but stop very quickly because they do not feel comfortable. That would be like buying Doc Martens but throwing them in the bin as soon as you got a blister.
They persevere through the “blisters” and get rewarded.
If you are not prepared to go through some discomfort then Doc Martens are not for you. You will never get to experience what they offer.
Equally, if you are not prepared to feel uncomfortable in order to master a new skill in your practice, then you will never be as successful as you could be. You will always be stuck at the level you are now.
In running your practice, discomfort is not a sign that something is wrong. Much more often, it is a sign that you are trying something new — you are in process of mastering a new skill.
If you can push past the discomfort rewards will come.
