Deciding Who You Want to Be as a Dentist

When I was a little boy, I knew I would someday play third base for the Phillies. Then I met a curve ball that burst my dreams. As a teen, I knew I was destined to be the next Paul McCartney. Thank heaven there was a plan B.

So I ask you: What do you want to be when you grow up? I ask myself that question regularly. Am I not grown up at the age of 61? Many who know me say I still act like a kid, but I also know what I want to be when I grow up.

How do you see yourself five or 10 years down the road? What vision do you have for yourself professionally, personally or financially? 

Dentistry is a profession where you can be what you want to be. You can develop your vision and have your dream job. You have to decide what you want to be when you grow up and then find the way to nurture your growth.

Most of you reading this realize that you are being introduced to information that will help you grow up as a dental professional. But when I was a child, I wanted to grow up faster. I didn’t know that that being exceptional takes time. 

Growing up is multifaceted and usually requires the help of others. Think of all the people that helped you get to where you are now. The people who fed you, clothed you, taught you right from wrong, educated you and so forth. 

When you decide as an adult what you want to be when you grow up, it is up to you to make it work. The longest journey starts with the first steps.

I never made it to the major leagues, but I did play baseball in a minor-league park at fantasy camp. No, I am not Paul McCartney, but because of music I met my wife-to-be at age 16 and next year will be our 40th wedding anniversary.

So what do I want to be when I grow up? I have grown up several times but still have to do more as I look at the next chapter of my life. I like growing up and getting older. The alternative of remaining stagnant has never been appealing to me.