At the risk of confusing you by using Australian or “Aussie” slang, I want to say without a doubt, being a business owner is hard yakka, fair dinkum! What does that mean? By definition it means hard work and that’s the truth. So why did I choose to take up the reigns and lean into this higher stress or higher energy existence when life was pretty comfortable as an employee dentist? Well, it’s simple. Firstly, I don’t wish to spend my life in the “someday” aisle, you know “someday I might…. hike Macchu Picchu, someday I might… own a practice of my own … the list goes on. Secondly, if one has an inspired mission of service, the momentum and drive to achieve and fulfil a purpose overtakes the fear and stress associated with going into business. I’ll explain more in a moment.
When I was contacted as a nominee for YahooFinance! Top 20 women in business, my first reaction was to shy away and disclaim any credit I was offered. Why was that? Because here in Australia, although it’s improving somewhat, society tends to promote a “tall poppy syndrome” mentality. So if you take credit for your labours and seek acclaim, you are “up yourself” or are egotistical and selfish. This is when I spoke with one of my younger female patients who reminded me that I’m in a position to inspire other women to fulfil their dreams. It’s an opportunity to show them that being a woman, juggling being a wife, employer and Mother while studying and working to fulfill your life, is something you can do and to truly be proud of that fact.
So I took up the banner and said a big, fat ,”Yes!” to the nomination! It was a huge step for me personally. As a child and teenager, I broke my knee-cap while competing in high-jump, had my front tooth smashed by a hockey stick, had braces, headgear (handle-bars), Epilepsy and always felt like a bit of a freak really, let’s be honest. Not being able to smile or have beauty in my smile, affected me so much. I became determined to help others especially with care and education, fixing smiles. After I broke my leg and realised how important empathy is to a person receiving care for pain, I became inspired to be in the medical field. Hello Dentistry, my inspired mission!
The orthodontist who treated me had rooms in a CBD high rise and it seemed so impressive to a little girl growing up in Hervey Bay. “Maybe, someday, I will have a practice like this”, went through my 10 year old mind. Through many years of clarifying my vision , taking note of things which impressed me growing up, studying hard and drawing opportunities into my life, my business ideals came together. I’m by no means finished, there is much expanding to do but you see, achievements and dreams are possible if you get out of the “someday” aisle and use the power of your inspired mission to harness your conviction!
Best wishes,
Kristina
PS. I also did hike to Macchu Picchu btw) 🙂
