Hole-in-the-wall eateries and local establishments across the country were my muse this week - specifically fried rice and the countless times I laughed at the menu when I saw a special on the Pu-Pu platter. I give you the Chinese Zodiac - you know, the red and white paper place mats on tables with pictures of animals and small cursive writing around the gold edges. If you’ve never taken the time to actually look at what’s under your plate, you will now. Each of those animals signifies some prophetic forecast of how your life will change in some place and time.
Chinese New Year is just around the corner and 2020 is the Year of the Rat. As the first animal of the Chinese zodiac, the Rat symbolizes renewal; a chance for new beginnings, new business ventures, new adventures. In my world, I like to call this fresh start a REBOOT. But like the furry (somewhat creepy) little rodents, it will require diligence and resourcefulness to be successful at your new ventures. 2020 will prove to be a prosperous year for those who carefully consider where they invest their time and money.
“Okay, Angie, what does this have to do with me?”
I was getting to that! Carefully consider where you, your practice, and your staff are right now. Take this time to reflect on what works, what doesn’t work, and areas that could be improved in your office. What “New Year, New Me” goals will you set for your practice? By refining your present, you can align your actions to the goals of your future.
Are you opening a new dental practice? Don’t choose a floor plan because it’s the “cheapest option”. The layout of your office will have a lasting impact: It will end up costing you more money than a streamlined, efficient floor plan would have.
Are you buying new equipment? Consider the long-term effects your equipment will have on your health. Choose equipment that will encourage healthy delivery and reduce stress-related injuries.
Are you struggling to implement clinical systems into your practice? Don’t throw your hands up in defeat or point fingers at one another, instead find the root of the problem. Determine what needs to be changed and create a game plan. (or call me for help!)
This is what we’re all about at Design Ergonomics, creating long term solutions to help dentists propel their practices. It is our job, as the leader in dental office design and as an equipment manufacturer to be creative in this effort - with you.
“Is there a risk, Angie?”
Yes, there is a risk. Neil Armstrong said, “There can be no great accomplishment without risk.” Do you believe that? Making big decisions can be scary but it shouldn’t stop you from making them. Take a risk. Write your next chapter. Build that dental practice. We’re here to help you.
We are Design Ergonomics - the industry leader in dental office design. We are Ergonomic Products - manufacturers of the most efficient and ergonomically sound dental equipment. We are Reboot Practice Productivity Solutions - a team of clinical efficiency experts dedicated to making your practice systems run as smoothly as possible. We try to be leaders in every aspect of the word. Our Vision is to design, equip & train the best dental offices in every town in the United States and Canada. Even when our clients think their back is against the wall, we’ll listen and refuse to let anything get in the way. We educate and motivate our clients to make the best practical decisions in their best interest. There is a multitude of ways to make dreams become reality in this year of prosperity.
If you will forgive a bit of cultural appropriation, I’d like to borrow the form of the Chinese Zodiac to illustrate what Design Ergonomics and I bring to the dental industry. Instead of a sheep and a snake and an ox and so on...I want to replace these creatures with Design Ergonomics’ fundamental principles of service and call it…the D/E Zodiac-tion.
These 12 “animals” reinforce how we design, equip and train the nations top producing dentists. Guided by these 12 ideals, we can help your practice reach its own goals as well!
On a personal note, 2019 was a defining year in my life. I found out I was going to be a proud grandmother...again! I made my bed in the morning and exercised at night - even if it was for only 30 minutes. Professionally, I became the proud owner of this new blog that has allowed me to mature in all areas of my life - on paper and in the moment. I like to think my thoughts are profound and nostalgic in some ways, but this time I kept it simple.
Everyone has wished at some point in their life they could hit the REBOOT button. Maybe you want to press that button for your dental practice. In 2020, Design Ergonomics will celebrate 25 years of success in the dental industry. It’s not too late for a fresh start - Happy New Year!