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can destroy this literally priceless attribute,
which like virtue can't be purchased, only
earned.
So how does one avoid such "priceless
loss"? It's imperative to know your mind,
and this can be accomplished through value
clarification. But fair warning: While no
math is involved, the process requires deep
introspection, so you'll have to think.
Find a quiet place where you will not
be disturbed, secure a fresh cup of coffee,
plus a pen and sheet of paper with your
current topic emblazoned atop. In every
venue you explore, the critical question
remains: Do I believe in this enough to give
it my full backing? Hoping doesn't cut it.
Half-support has no place. Asking others
to do the labor results in frustration and
failure.
As a simple example, do you want your
children to keep their rooms clean? Nagging
begets sporadic cleaning fits, lots of blaming
and hurt feelings. Maintaining a pristine
house and garage (i.e., being a living example
of your values) works.

Be worthy
Another value illustration: A staff member asked to meet after work. She informed
me that for a litany of reasons, she needed
additional income. After hearing her out,
I nodded understanding and asked how
she intended to make herself worth more:
perhaps by mastering new skills or accepting
additional responsibility?
She seemed nonplussed, so I explained
that asking to receive a benefit without
offering additional value was akin to standing
before a fireplace and saying, "Give me heat,
then I'll give you wood." As ludicrous as this
seems, my teammate's request was more
absurd. She asked for heat (more money)
without even promising later wood in the
form of significant contributions.
I'd like to report an epiphany when

she realized this request violated her values
(and mine) of earning what she received.
Unfortunately, this young lady desired
money, not philosophy. Sadly, she got
neither.
Many dentists need and desire more
income but, like my youthful assistant,
lack awareness of the need to become worthy before receiving. G.V. Black-the old
union scout, fellow Iowa graduate (not a
classmate) and widely acclaimed father of
dentistry-insisted that professionals are
obligated to remain perpetual students. Take
him at his word, for it is through personal
and professional growth that one excels.

Find a focus
I'm an avid outdoorsman, but after
hunting season ends, I pick one topic for a
winter of in-depth analysis. I study texts,
go to courses and focus on such procedures
in-office. Perhaps you avoid endodontics?
Consider how three months of concentrated
effort could enhance your skills while keeping
revenue in your practice. (Once occlusion
is profoundly understood, the entire dental
universe changes).
Although it is possible to increase income
without doing all that work-robbery,
winning the lotto and selling drugs leap
to mind-I know of no way to accomplish
this that is consistent with my values. John
Ruskin also put the kibosh on the easy way
by saying, "The common law of business
balance prohibits paying little and getting
a lot. It can't be done."
To have more, first become worthy.
Then receive.
One seldom gets to quote an opossum
twice in the same venue, but the embattled
Pogo's words still ring true for dentists:
"Gentlemen, we are surrounded by insurmountable opportunity."
Carpe diem. Fight to excel, then enjoy
well-earned rewards. ■

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Dentaltown November 2020

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