Don’t discount the quiet ones.

In practice, we are always looking for feedback, from our patients to see how they are progressing in care and to be honest we also seek this feedback to fill our ego. “Are we helping them” is the thought that peculates our mind and validates our actions.

However, the seeking of validation and constant questioning can cloud our judgement of the real progress our patients are making. We all know that healing takes time and that the body, when working right, will do the job it needs to, to help itself.

So why do we not trust that? Why must we always ask and seek validations? Well ego is the answer, our strive to be valued and respected for what we do.

The reason I bring this up is I had a similar case recently where I always asked and always probed as to the progress of a particular patient. She gave nothing away and was generally quiet by nature, I therefore became concerned that she was not getting better. This concern led me to question more. Nothing.

Then out of the blue, a 5* Google Review came in, this is something we get a lot of, but this one stood out, as it was the patient I have just been describing. Her words:

“I started my Epoch journey in April, coming after suffering from debilitating migraines for around 6 months.
After having a thorough examination, Tom was positive he could help with the migraines and also reduce my lower back pain which I also have due to a small spinal deformity.
I cannot express enough how positive my experience has been. After 6 weeks I have been able to se such a difference and have not had a migraine for 4 weeks.
Not only that but I have taken up swimming again, been able to go back to the gym and managed to walk 9-10km on a city break I also managed to stand for 4-5 hours at a music gig (not totally pain free but I wouldn't have even tried to do this 2-3 months ago).
The team are so kind and welcoming.
Tom has built a truly special place.”

So, my reminder to you this week is to not discount the quiet ones, continue to trust the process and lead them to health and wellness. Do not play pity to their progress, trust the process, and accept the principle of time.

How can you be really effective at this?

Servant Leadership is the answer. Lead them by example and serve them with love. Nothing more, when you find this, you will not be seeking validation but you will be sure in your course, if you are honestly setting the example, you will not question the results.

Ask yourself this week, how can you set a better example? What do you need to improve, commit to, share, and show in order to be a real leader for your community. Do this and then serve with no question. Trust me your practice will thrive as a consequence.

With love,

Tom