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October 2009 | Modern Hygienist On the path toward balance Seven steps to embracing life. 
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of your dental career, family and your busy life? Do you want more joy and more life in your life? You say you want to live a balanced life, yet you just can’t find a way to make that happen because there are so many things that seem to get in the way. The good news is that a more balanced life is attainable. It will take awareness of where you are today, a vision of how you would like your life to be, and most importantly, a commitment to the change required to take you there. Are you ready? One step at a time By following these seven principles you can be living a more balanced life instead of just wishing you were: Know thyself. This is your foundation. It will enable you to make your way through the other principles with greater ease. Your practice environment and your life must reflect your values as these are your guiding lights. They must be honored with every step and every decision you make—otherwise, conflict and stress will arise. You also must know what you want out of life. You can’t know if you’ve reached the goal until you define it. Your vision of what a balanced life looks like is uniquely yours, so get it down on paper. Make 24 hours stretch. Time management is best described by Goethe who said, “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” You must become aware of how you are spending your time and then remove those activities which do not enhance your life, honor your values, or move you towards your vision. Only then can you say, “Yes” to what matters most to you. Financial reality check. You must get real regarding your personal and professional finances and your spending/saving habits—denial only leads to more stress in your life. Additionally, understand how your emotions, self-esteem and the money beliefs acquired from your childhood impact the financial choices you make. Then, you can make the necessary changes to lead you to a more balanced life and financial independence. Embrace structure. Are you busy at work with a handpiece, scaler or perio probe in your hand? Too busy to take care of the non–clinical side of the practice? Are you taking it home with you instead? Planning is the key to maintaining balance between work and home. Work with your employer to schedule time at work to brainstorm your ideal practice, team build, take care of administrative tasks, call patients and do whatever it takes to keep the practice running smoothly. Then you’ll be able to keep work (and stress!) at work and enjoy more your time away from the practice. Assess relationships. Who are you spending time with? Spend more time with those who support you in your quest to live your best life and spend less time, if any at all, with the anchors in your life who zap your energy and destroy your spirit. Surround yourself with people who bring you the greatest joy and who believe in your ability to achieve your dreams. What are you thinking? Are they thoughts of gloom, doom and negativity or are they thoughts of success, confidence and belief in your ability to have what you want in life? You have the power to choose what you think! Therefore, you must take personal responsibility for every thought, negative or positive. Become a “glass half-full” person. When you choose empowering thoughts coupled with a positive attitude, your life will expand with abundance. Remember to recharge. As dental professionals, you are known for taking great care of your patients, but who is taking care of you? You must refuel. Choose your own method, be it a hobby, time with your family, friends, a good book, a vacation or volunteering for a worthy cause. Your physical, mental and spiritual health gives you the energy to live life, so you must make self-care a priority. Otherwise, your body will give out before you get to where you want to go. I challenge you to make the commitment to live a more fulfilling and balanced life. You can enjoy more energy, more time to do what matters most, more joy and more life in your life. The time is now. You are ready. Dr. Stephanie Houseman is a speaker, writer and coach who draws upon her 30+ years in dentistry to inspire and motivate others in the dental field to relish each new day and live a more balanced life. Visit her at 7steps2abalancedlife.com.
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