Acres of Diamonds, by Dr. Ogi Ressel

Warm hellos to everyone!
I'd like to share a story with you - a story most of you have probably
heard before but have either forgotten or think that the lesson doesn't
apply to you.  Once upon a time there was a farmer who owned a piece
of land which was hardly producing any crop for him. He agonized over his
farm and the fact that he was barely making a living working his land - the
land bas barren, rock-strewn, hilly, and made up of poor quality soil.
His agony went on for years and each year the farmer complained more
about his lot in life.
Finally, at wits end, and wanting a better life for his family he decided
to sell the land.  The new owner purchased the land at a bargain price
and decided to "walk" his new farm in order to become acquainted with
his new property. One day while walking, he kicked one of the millions of
stones that littered the earth and noticed something glittering in the sun
in the spot where the stone had been. Picking up the shiny object, he
realized that he was holding a diamond.
Today, this site is one of the largest diamond mines in the world.
I don't think I need to tell you what the moral of this story is - but I think
I will anyway!
How many times have you had thoughts about your practice just as the farmer had?
Many of us think that the grass is absobloodylutey greener on the other
side of the hill
......and here is what we say:
1. "If I could just get there, my life would be completely different." Or:
2. "If I could sell this crummy practice and start a new one over that hill,
     my life would be wonderful." Or:
3. "I would like to start over and not make the same mistakes."
Sound familiar?
Listen......I know that many doctors feel this way but the "over the hill"
practice will just
be more of the same for you. Why?
Because you haven't learned from your mistakes.
True, the new practice will be brand new, the staff will be brand new, the
patients will be brand new, the location will be brand new, the town and street
will be brand new - everything will be brand new.
Except for one thing.
Any guesses?
Absolutely!
You!!!!
Yes, everything is new except for the doctor. Same old doc, same old
hand-ups, same old baggage, same old mannerisms, same old purpose,
same old, same old!
But.....you expect a totally different result! Don't you?

Think about it, why would you?
Since everyone in your office takes their cues from you, why would things
in your practice life change? You see, often the very best solution is to
become amazing at what you do exactly where you are. Searching for that pot
of gold at the end of the rainbow most often leads to that glow under your very hands.
Listen, someone once asked Michelangelo how he could carve those beautiful
statues that he carved for the Vatican years ago, out of one huge block of granite.
And here is what he said:
"The statue was always there. I simply chipped away the pieces."
And so it is with you - the Practice of your Dreams is also there. It is within your grasp.
You are in it every single day. You need to chip away the pieces that are blocking
 you from seeing it! You also need to be aware of what it is your community is
looking for - definitely not more of the same.
And I can tell you from my heart that your community is looking for a doctor who is
absolutely amazing at being a doctor - you need to change what you do and become that!
.....And I'm here to help! So do it!
....and do it with great panache, vigor, skill, spizz, and purpose!

Warmest wishes,
Dr. Ogi Ressel