1. Having a service mind set (SERVICE).
2. Performing their very best in all activities (EXCELLENCE).
3. Demanding more from themselves than others would demand (HIGH PERSONAL STANDARDS).
4. Learning how to develop and nurture relationships (ENTREPRENEURSHIP).

One of the most common answers to the question of making the transition from student to doctor or new doctor to successful doctor was having a mentor. This means finding someone, or more than one person, that is doing what you want to do in the way you want to do it and learning from them and modeling them. Most everyone responded with this answer because this modeling showed them what a service mind set looked like and in the area of entrepreneurship of how to market, get positive public relations, how to nurture and turn those relationships into patients, how to effectively communicate and how to conduct oneself in day to day living.

This mentoring was also one of the most influential contributing factors in accelerating success. Many of the doctors related that finding this mentor was by no means an accident. They actively sought out mentors.

Passion

The chiropractors interviewed next mentioned that they had a burning passion for what they were learning and could not wait to apply it. They had a passion for what chiropractic represented and what it could do. Many had been positively affected by being under chiropractic care which changed the direction of their life and they knew without a shadow of a doubt, that they were being called to be a chiropractor. This burning desire, coupled with actively seeking those people who could mentor them, created opportunities for the two to connect.

Many of the successful doctors attended many seminars and it was there they met many other doctors in the field. Whenever there was a chiropractic event, they were there. Because they had this passion for chiropractic and serving others, they consistently went above and beyond what was required of them and instead of asking. "What can I do for you?" they asked, "Is there anything additional I can do for you?"

Their service mind set allowed them to provide more service that paid for creating lasting value. They increased their value to the community by immediately becoming involved in service organizations, chamber of commerce, professional organizations, networking groups and were willing to go the extra mile for people paying it forward and making huge deposits into the service bank account. This tapped into the entrepreneurship habit as they provided positive public relations for themselves. They networked and met like-minded individuals creating relationships and trust. Because of the trust they built, they could effectively market to these people and be of service to them, thus creating a strong relationship from a casual relationship.

I built a substantial portion of my practice using this blueprint and opened doors that allowed me to increase my visibility and public relations and attain positions of leadership such as President of the California Chiropractic Association and Chair of the local chamber of commerce. I received invitations to sit on councils and boards and work with locally elected legislators and officials. This resulted in referrals to my practice as a by-product, not the goal of my involvement.

A student starting chiropractic college wonders, "Can I do this?" "Can I be successful?" "Will I make it through?" And the answer is yes. A vast majority of those starting school will graduate and obtain their license to practice. The next frightening moment is, "Can I earn a living?" In school, the mastering of the science, philosophy and art of chiropractic is the primary focus, as it should be. Most new doctors entering into practice now realize they are ill-prepared in the most important arena of meeting and attracting people to come to see them as patients. This is where the habit of entrepreneurship manifests. Most new doctors, when questioned about their plans on how they will build a practice, have no answer besides, "I hope it works out." Many seasoned doctors in practice have the same idea and struggle to build and maintain a practice.

Unfortunately, these doctors have not developed the habits of success. Those doctors who put in the extra time and created a well-rounded education for themselves built successful practices much more easily because they have been developing the habits of success in the four areas outlined.

Can you imagine how frustrating it would be to study so hard and long, spend lots of money and resources and venture out into practice, but lack the necessary skills to build and sustain a practice? Most people are looking for the next best thing, the secret, the short cut, but they have not mastered the fundamentals. These fundamental habits will give you a solid foundation on which to build upon and to put in place so that you can become successful not only in your practice but in your personal, spiritual, emotional and mental life. This will also help you in your relationships with your family, with your children, with others and your colleagues.

The world needs more successful people, but success cannot be bought, nor is it a short cut. Success takes place when preparation meets opportunity. I believe that studying successful people and mastering these four areas, Service, Excellence, Personal Standards and Enrepreneurship PREPARES you for success and when the OPPORTUNITES in life present themselves, you'll be ready.

Dr. Denni s R. Buckley is past president of The California Chiropractic Association. In 2009, he started The Health Advantage Health and Wellness Center in Pasadena. Calif. He also works as a consultant to vendors within the chiropractic profession and provides consulting to chiropractors in the areas of business development, marketing and networking.