Trait #12 – Rock Star Hygienists Are Willing to Get Out of Their Comfort Zone
As we wrap up this series, so many quotes come to mind that speak to challenges of change.
“If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing”
– Ali Brown
“Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone”
– Neale Donald Walsch
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result”
– Albert Einstein
Stacy and I use these a lot in our speaking coaching programs because any time you are trying to get to the next level in your life or career, you must be willing to get out of our comfort zone.
The fact is…change is uncomfortable. And it makes me feel better knowing that my initial reaction to change is normal. It’s what I do next that counts.
If you are a Rock Star Hygienist then you’ve come to welcome change and you know that when you feel that familiar uncomfortable feeling, it means what you’ve always known is being challenged and you are about to grow.
Here are a few strategies to keep moving forward through change rather than letting your fear keep you from getting to the next level:
1-Look at all the reasons this could be good– So if you’re a hygienist and your doctor is offering you a new compensation plan, look at the upside. You now have more control over your income and you’re being rewarded for deliver outstanding care and helping build the practice.
2-Look at the things that are frustrating you in the way you are currently doing things– If you’re frustrated with the fact that every hygienist in your practice does things differently and there are no consistent systems, setting up a new protocol and getting everyone to agree may be hard at first, but in the long run it’s going to make your days less stressful.
3-Look at how your life could actually improve- So your boss has now decided to have a morning huddle every day at 7:30, much earlier than you’d like. But think about how planning your day might mean less stress and more chances for you to help your team and for them to help you during those crazy times of the day.
4-Look at how the lives of others could improve because of the change- I worked with a team recently that had 4 hygienists seeing patients every 30-40 minutes. Slowing down and learning a new way to work was tough for them but they realized when they were able to give their patients more time and education on their own health, their patients were enormously receptive and thankful and they were getting a much higher level of care.
And here’s a secret…the more you get out of your comfort zone, the easier it is. It’s just like any other ‘skill’. The more you practice, the better you are. AND, there are some great rewards on the other side.
Stay Inspired,
Rachel