Not The Triumph, But The Struggle

In high-school, many of us were involved in sports. It was a way to keep in good shape, share friendships and to be part of something. In my case, I was on the swim team.

During that time I, along with every other high-school athlete, had dreams of glory. Winning the medal or trophy for my school. The reality was that only a very few went to the Olympics or even the state championships. But the rest were not losers.

It was at that time that I was given a small booklet by my father who had a much better understanding of life. The pamphlet was titled, "Not the Triumph, But the struggle." It was written by an Olympic gold medalist in swimming, so I read it very carefully.

The booklet talked about the value of striving to be your best. It helped you understand that participating and giving something your all had rewards that were far more important and longer lasting than the fame and glory of Olympic gold. (To show you how true this is, I can't even remember the swimmer's name.)

What we did gain by our efforts and commitment were: character, an ability to work, an appreciation for sacrifice, strong bodies and an understanding of teamwork. We did not appreciate just how important these attributes were at the time.

In addition, we learned that the means ARE the end. What we were spending our days and energy doing, is what we became.

We dedicated ourselves and so became dedicated. We worked hard and became individuals accustomed to hard work. We banded together to do our best and so became unified. The concept applied in many ways.

Unfortunately, there were those who refused to dedicate themselves or to work hard. Some of the swimmers didn't show up for practice, goofed off and eventually quit the team. They could not become what they weren't willing to do.

This same scenario applies very strongly to the chiropractic profession. Many cry out for unity, legislative strength, and a strong chiropractic profession, but are we willing to do it?

Unity isn't something that happens by magic, it occurs because chiropractors decide to work together. As we work together, unity occurs. If we don't work together, unity can't occur. We are what we do.

The chiropractic profession has political muscle when all DCs are involved politically. You can't buy it, and you can't "brag" it into existence. You have to do it to become it.

This may sound rather obvious, but in truth too many DCs appear to be asking, "When will this happen?" Perhaps a better question would be: "When will we make it happen?" If you want to really zero-in on the solution, try asking, "When will I do it?"

There isn't a problem or an adversary big enough to stop the chiropractic profession if we all want to be a part of the solution. There also isn't enough money in the ACA and ICA coffers combined to solve even the smallest problem if the profession isn't behind it.

You are the doctor you are because of your efforts every day. Your efforts pay the bills and provide for you and your loved ones. The next step is to be the member of the chiropractic profession you know you should be by putting some effort towards that goal every day.

All totaled, it could take 20 minutes out of your day. But isn't a mere 20 minutes a day the least that you owe this great profession?

If you don't know what to do with that 20 minutes, call the ACA or ICA and ask. They have plenty of items on their agenda that need your help.

You may even want to save 5 minutes per day to dedicate to your state association. They need you as well.

Then, the next time somebody asks, "When will chiropractic do this?" you can tell them it is already happening, because you are doing it. The next question will be: "When do they want to join you in making it happen?"

DMP Jr., BS, HCD(hc)