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Have you seen this commercial? It is an ad for GNC that very cleverly illustrates a common—but profound—truth: being average is easy.

The flip side of that, of course, is that going beyond average and being excellent requires work. And not just work in the sense of doing the work to acquire new knowledge and skills; it's about the daily work of implementing that new knowledge that really matters.

Be Determined to Beat Average Every Day


In many ways the implementation is even more difficult. If you want to do something new and challenging in your life, such as running your first marathon, the first few days after making the commitment tend to be exciting—buying the gear, devising a training schedule, maybe hiring a trainer. Eventually, however, you will be faced with the reality of going out for a run on a rainy Sunday when you are feeling unenergetic. That's when that voice telling you to skip it gets louder.

Here is what I know about people and performance: Most people need to be driven to go beyond average. The people on your team—even the best ones who have a natural impulse toward pursuing excellence—need leadership and direction to keep them consistently focused. Similarly, dentists—even the most naturally gifted and clinically advanced dentists—need to surround themselves with other like-minded clinicians through study clubs and continuing education communities in order to keep themselves accountable to the standard of excellence they have set for themselves to avoid being average.

It's too easy to fall into the habit of being satisfied with good enough. In order to see lasting change and meaningful growth in life, you have to put a framework in place that keeps you committed to higher standards. You have to be determined to beat average every day.

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Commenter's Profile Image Dr. Gerard Schneider
November 25th, 2014
Hello Imtiaz, I just read your Blog on what Inspires you and great dentistry will follow. That was a great read and point on in our dental society. I clearly see that most people see us as tooth technicians and not a health care providers. I am hoping the young dentist get this concept quick as they are the ones that will undersell their services and burn out the fastest. Programs like Delta Dental are also killing us off slowly. Being a premier provider means I write off over 100K per year to see these people. Same dentistry- same materials- same dental lab.... it's my core belief and right minded principle that everyone deserves the best. So in my path to find new inspiration I am going to remove myself from Delta and get paid in full for my expertise and feel good about it. My Team and I are going to track and tabulate the data from the patients. Then when the smoke clears from the fallout, I am looking for path or avenue to tell others how it worked, what worked well, and what didn't. Thereby giving the tools for the next person who dares to free themselves from the Delta noose. So thanks again for your wisdom to our dental world and have a blessed Thanksgiving and wonderful Christmas season. All the best!! Gerry Schneider