Life is Short: Enjoy Life Today



Posted: Monday, July 13, 2009

by John Hayes Jr
Perfect Practice Web, LLC

While reading the Sunday paper, I was suddenly reminded of the vulnerability of a professional life that can teach us all an important lesson. As you know, we at Perfect Practice advocate building your life first and your practice to follow suit. We talk about this extensively in the module, The End in Mind. It discussed about your close friend, spouse and family who knows your passions as a health care provider and how you incorporate them (or fail to) into your personal life every week.

The story was about an executive, 58 years old, who built a very significant company, with tons of time, travel and a grueling schedule. He takes very little time off because he thought he can later enjoy his life when he retires.

Unfortunately, retirement never came. He died of brain cancer in 90 days. He reflected back in his last days, even writing a book encouraging his colleagues not to follow in his footsteps.

Life is brief, with no second chances. So many times, I have seen clients and friends go down this very same road.

Here are other true stories that touched my life.

For those that spend any time in an ER or as an EMT, you see some of this everyday. But back in our nice clean offices though, in private practice we are sometimes shielded from harsh realities.

Alex, age 48 dies in the ER. Previously healthy, maybe hypertensive was looking forward to his early retirement. He was always smiling and has a pleasant greeting for everyone he met.

Gary, age 45, is sitting in his truck at a stop light. Gets a sudden blinding headache, throws the truck into park, clutches his dog, and according to the ME, is unconscious in 15 seconds, and a short time later dead of a cerebral aneurism. He was a self made, financially independent and fun loving guy. He was still very much in love with his life and friends. Wiped out in 15 seconds.

Is there anything that you are putting off, not confronting or handling? Do you know what you might miss out if you don't take action TODAY?

Tough question? Maybe.

Easy to answer? Probably. But only if you stay brutally honest with yourself.

I suggest that you take time everyday to reappraise where you are going in practice and life. You have to be sure that your decisions are bringing you closer to ideal. And really enjoy each day.

I urge all of you to look beyond your practice life, not only to destress, but also to make sure that you have scheduled enough time off every week to be able to live life with passion. Be sure to use the tools, especially those we have provided, that will allow you to accomplish financial freedom now, so you can immediately enjoy your life, without waiting for something that may or may not be.

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Dr. John Hayes, Jr. is an Evvy Award Nominee and author of Living and Practicing by Design. To learn more about his unique approaches to private practice success, visit http://perfectpracticeweb.com/ and register for a FREE CD and Info Pack.
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