Examining Reactive and Creative Minds

What you are experiencing in your life is largely due to your orientation — are you more reactive or more creative?

Why do so many of us get stuck in a reactive orientation in our life or in our practice?

It begs the questions:

Could the reactive problem-solving orientation be the most common mindset in our culture?

Could it be that we haven’t been exposed to any other mindsets?

Could it be that our parents, teachers, mentors and consultants are stuck in a reactive problem mindset themselves?

We all want to be happy in our relationships, have plenty of time to do what’s most important in our lives, and have the money to do what we value the most.

We want to be healthy, wealthy, happy and wise. These are common characteristics most people strive to have. I realize there is no one simple answer to the issues and problems we ourselves face; and what our clients, patients and students face.

But it is important to consider and process these thoughts.

The predominate life orientation of most professionals is reactive problem solving. That’s what we’ve been trained to do —discover, diagnose and recommend strategies to solve problems — hence, the problem-focused exam. 

This professional orientation spills over into the way dentists run their practice, manage their life, and even their relationships. It becomes a life of putting out one fire after another, and feeling increased stress — working harder and not getting ahead.

At the Open Performance Coach event Jan. 27-28, 2023,

Dr. Michael Schuster and Dr. Michael Edwards will discuss these and other topics related to practice and life success, moving patients from problem focused to health creation, and be happy doing it! Hear stories, advice and wisdom from our mentors Dr. Robin Steeley and Dr. T.J. Bolt and hear “Hiring for Values” by Dr. John Herrin!

Until then, here’s a few questions to ponder as you step outside of yourself and look at the patterns in your practice and life.

Are you more reactive? (What’s the problem today?) Or are you more creative? (What do you want long-term for your health, wealth and relationships?)

How much time do you spend planning and reviewing what you’re doing and its effectiveness?

Are there any changes you’d like to make?

If so, in what area of your life? With money, time, relationships with patients, staff and others?

Call Dr. Edwards directly to schedule a strategy session and discuss these questions, or discuss what you would like to create in your life — then, see if The Schuster Center is a fit for you! Dr. Edwards’ phone number is 636-234-7481.