If you read the headlines or listen to the news, there’s no doubt these are difficult times.  All of the gloom and doom can feel overwhelming, as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders. So how can your practice arise from the wreckage stronger than before?

Engage the power of positivity.

While it may sound cliché or like wishful thinking, research actually shows that performance is 31% better in a positive state of mind. Optimism allows you to see patterns quicker and take in more information. It can actually make you smarter and more successful.* (to learn more, check out The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor)

I’m not talking about sticking your head in the sand and denying reality, quite the contrary.  This is about the ability to remain positive despite the challenges set before you.  

If you’re wondering what all this has to do with your practice, patients, and referring partners.  Here’s what…

For your practice, being able to take in more information and see patterns quickly allows you to come up with creative solutions and problem solve better.  This is a skill we can all benefit from as we rebound from a worldwide pandemic.  

Just imagine what you could accomplish if your entire team adopted a positive, “We can do this!” mindset.

The same concept applies for patients.  You have no idea what your patients may be experiencing when they call your office or walk through your door.  Offer them a respite and oasis from the chaos and barrage of negative media they’re currently experiencing.  

Set the tone for a positive experience from the very beginning.  When the patient first calls to schedule their appointment, reassure them that they’ve come to the right place and you’re going to take great care of them.  Then smile and offer a warm welcome when they walk in the door.  

Patients are often given a lot of information or required to make clinical and financial decisions at their appointment. By putting patients in a happy state of mind when they enter your practice, they have the ability to make better decisions about their care.  

And what about referral partners? How does positivity play into those relationships?

Research shows that optimistic salespeople are 40 – 80% better than their negative or even neutral counterparts.** 

Let’s face it, no one likes to see Debbie Downer or Negative Nathan coming. Before you walk into a referring office, put a smile on your face and get in a positive state of mind.  Think happy thoughts or listen to uplifting and encouraging music on the drive there.  Keep messaging upbeat and positive to enhance relationships and increase referrals.  

When it comes to the cheerful quotient, not everyone is created equal.  Thankfully, modern neuroscience has proven that, yes, you can actually retrain your brain to be more positive.  

Here are some practical tips for becoming a happier person, leading an upbeat team, or operating a more positive practice:

Smile.

Smile before you answer the phone, walk into a patient room, or call on a referring doctor.  Smiles are contagious putting others in a joyful state as well.

Practice gratitude.

As people become more grateful, they become happier, more positive, and optimistic.***

Engage in small acts of kindness.

Open the door for a patient or bring a favorite treat to a referring office. Kindness makes you and those around you better.

Surround yourself with positivity.

Hire a positive team, decorate your office with cheerful artwork, or step outside for a burst of sunshine and fresh air. Surrounding yourself with positivity will make you a happier and more effective leader.

Don’t listen to the Chicken Littles.

The world is filled with complaining and negativity.  Unfortunately, the media has learned that discord sells better than rainbows.  If you need to, turn off the TV, cell phone, or social media (gasp!).

Set your practice apart from the negative noise by giving patients and referring partners a jolt of positive energy.  Make it a goal to leave them feeling happier than when they came in. Just think of the online reviews if you do that for every patient who walks in the door!

A joy filled practice creates happy patients and referral partners.

It’s a positive cycle.

And the world could use some more positivity!

*The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
**Learned Optimism:  How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.
***Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D.