The Power of Self-Belief
Working in a dental office can be very demanding and overwhelming at times!
Do you have days when you feel like you need help to do something correctly and start questioning if you are the right person for the job? We all go through this stage at some point in our careers.
So, how do we keep going and get past that?
Believe in Yourself
Believing in oneself is a powerful force that can drive us to achieve great things. When we have confidence in our abilities and trust in our decisions, we are more likely to take risks, pursue goals, and overcome challenges.
To cultivate self-belief, it is important to practice self-care, set realistic goals, and surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
But how do we do this?
Self-Care
It begins with caring for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which can be difficult when you work in the chaotic world of dentistry! Prioritizing your needs and making time for yourself within your busy schedule is essential.
We always hear that you should ensure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise. But let’s be honest, how many times have we tried that? It works for a while, but then we return to our old routines.
Self-care looks different for everyone, so it is essential to find what works best for you and prioritize it in your daily routine.
Self-Check-ins
I was taking a leadership class ready for my DAADOM distinction and heard a great tip about setting alarm reminders for yourself and naming them something that resonates with you.
I use three alarms on my phone for daily self-check-ins with myself:
- The first one goes off before I head to work, and it simply says, “ATTITUDE.” This one reminds me that my attitude can impact all those around me, so I get to choose what it will be for the day.
- The next one goes off at lunchtime and says “POSITIVITY,” so no matter what kind of day it has been, I need to look for the positives and not get pulled into negativity.
- The last one is before I go home, which says, “LOVE & FAMILY.” This reminds me to leave work at work and focus on what I am going home to.
I get centered on the business throughout the day. These alarms are simple reminders for me to stop, take a breath, refocus, and have a great day. Try it!
Set Realistic Goals
We are in positions where everything needs to be done ‘yesterday.’ Setting realistic goals is a key component of achieving success and personal growth.
When we set goals that are attainable and manageable, we are more likely to stay motivated, focused, and committed to reaching them.
Start by defining the goal and then breaking it down into smaller, achievable steps that will feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Please don’t be hard on yourself; setbacks will happen, and it is important to stay flexible and resilient.
Positive and Supportive People
Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people is essential for your psychological wellness.
But it starts with YOU!
Positiveness is contagious and can begin with a simple smile, a tone in your voice, open body language, or a slight change in how you say something. Turning negativity into positivity is a powerful skill that can significantly improve our outlook on life.
One way to do this is by practicing gratitude and focusing on the good things in our lives, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
By shifting our perspective towards the positive aspects of a situation, we can reframe our thinking and find opportunities for growth and learning.
Self-Belief
Everyone has doubts and fears at times, but it’s how you respond to them that matters. Practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself, and instead of being self-critical or judgmental, choose to be understanding and supportive of your struggles and imperfections.
By consciously focusing on positivity and practicing self-care, we can transform negativity into opportunities for growth and happiness.
Believe in yourself; you can unlock your full potential and create your desired life. You are capable of amazing things when you believe in yourself. Trust in your abilities, stay true to yourself, and never underestimate the power of self-belief.
About the Author
Trina Shipley, DAADOM
Trina is the Director of Business Operations for Pax Dental in Southern Maryland. With over 26 years of dental experience, her mission is to maintain an environment of trust and integrity that provides an unrivaled employee and patient experience.
She is a lifetime AADOM member, earned her FAADOM in 2016 and MAADOM in 2023, and earned her DAADOM in 2024.
She enjoys traveling, motorcycle rides, and spending time with her family in her free time.
