The Theatre Of Life

– By Dr Nav Ropra.

Have you ever watched a movie, a play or seen a performance which was so inspiring, that it received a standing ovation or brought you to tears?

The whole thing appears to be effortless and flawless in its delivery as the individual performers do what is required for a greater cause.

They may have studied months or even years to get the opportunity to share their abilities and make a contribution to other peoples lives.

In the same way, top athletes train relentlessly by themselves and with each other so that they are on peak performance when it comes to a race or competition.  Every aspect of their professional life is scrutinised and optimised so that they are able to perform to the best of their abilities.

‘They may have studied months or even years to get the opportunity to share their abilities and make that contribution to other peoples lives.’

You hear of top basketball players practicing alone in the early hours of the morning so that they feel every inch of the stadium they will be playing in.  Golfers dedicating thousands of hours so that they are aware of each and every move they will be making and factoring into their training changes in humidity or wind speed / direction.

When people get to play at the top or even enter a major competition, then that requires a completely different mindset and belief system.

‘You hear of top basketball players practicing alone in the early hours of the morning so that they feel every inch of the court they will be playing in.’

I had the opportunity to visit the London 2012 Olympic Games and was grateful to see how the top athletes of the world demonstrate congruency and clear alignment with their goals and values in order compete.  They show no hesitation, wondering or wavering in what they have committed themselves into being and as a result of that intense focus, the drive to win is sculptured using their mind, body and spirit.  By making it about their country they are inspired by a cause which is much bigger than them.  This level of dedication is something we as dentists can all learn from.

‘Then that requires a completely different mindset and belief system.’

In practice we can also be seen as performers, as the stars of our own show with our patients being the audience who gets to decide if we get a standing ovation.  Our staff are like our co-actors who also become impeccable and flawless in their delivery of care and do everything around the main performer to ensure that their part is supported.

Each free moment you get when you are not treating patients is another opportunity for you to practice your lines, build upon your weaknesses and get ready to demonstrate your art form, be it history taking, examining or treating patients.  Do it with the committment of a top athelete who is doing it for a cause much bigger than themselves and watch how your patients become grateful as some of your passion rubs off on them.  Learn the latest skills and keep up to date with the legalities and practicing changes so that you are also at your peak.  Remember to eat moderately so that useful energy is not wasted in digestion, drink plenty of water so that you are hydrated and vital during the day.  Sleep well, temper your life and take regular breaks.

‘By making it about their country they are inspired by a cause which is much bigger than them.’

At the end of the day look back and see what you can improve for your next performance. Ask for feedback from your patients and learn from them.  Discuss with your team how you can improve so that your services can reach a greater audience.

Ultimately, it’s not about winning or losing, or even about what kind of medal you may win. It’s about who you become in the journey, what your character becomes during your performance as you play in the theatre of life.