Welcome back to Part III of David’s story. I hope you enjoyed reading how he got started in Dentistry and then what came next. Today he shares some practical tips that he found valuable for creating change.
David was born in the North East of England near the border of what he describes as “sunny Scotland.” He practiced dentistry for almost eleven years, and in 2014, he made the decision to step out of dentistry. He turned a part-time career, practicing as a counselor and trauma therapist, into a full-time vocation. He also moved to Melbourne, Australia, where he now resides.
Me: What is one tip you would share with anyone wanting to change careers?
David: Some basic tips that I have benefited from and practice personally include:
– Be as clear as possible about where you are heading and how you will know when you have arrived (begin with the end in mind).
– If you are struggling to take the jump or make the transition, simply start taking steps toward your goal/dream/target, today. Just start. You don’t need the answers. The answers will come. Consider beginning with a timeline, commencing at the goal-achieved end and then working backward to where you are now– or vice versa, and break down the journey into achievable steps. For example, one step may involve making a phone call, sending an email, attending a certain workshop or reading a specific book etc. Just start and have fun with it.
– Learn how to quiet the mind (eliminate noise/mental chatter) to access the deepest place within you, which will in turn inform and guide you to do what you truly want to do; and then get out of your own way to allow what needs to happen, to happen.
Note: some people I have spoken with over the years typically experience this in their heart, or their gut. I practice certain activities that I have found support me in quieting my mind such that I can transition to that place. For example, sitting meditation, active meditation – swimming, cycling, Bikram yoga; being out in nature; gratitude practice, daily journaling practice etc.
– Take action, take time for self-care, and take time for relationships (repeat).
– Be aware of where you are giving or directing your energy and work on ways to strengthen and retain your core energy.
– Commit to a daily gratitude and journaling practice.
– Surround yourself with people who champion you (you become who you surround yourself with) versus those who, often unconsciously and at times with the best of intentions, project their beliefs on to you (everyone views life through their own lens). If you’re in a vulnerable or uncertain place you may find yourself influenced by or take on those as your own when they are not yours to carry… so to speak.
– If you want to change career direction to X, then find out who does X well. Contact them and ask for a chat/could you take them out for a tea/coffee etc? Just start. If someone hasn’t got the time or simply says no, then don’t take it personally. Give thanks and think, “Next.” Yeah, but you don’t understand. Just start. But I’m feeling vulnerable. Just start. But I don’t have what it takes (yet). Just start.
– Give gratitude for ALL of the life lessons and skills taken from your experiences in the dental arena, both good and seemingly not so good. They will benefit you in your future endeavors.
– When is the right time to take the leap? Personally, I never found a right time. What I learned from my experience, and others I have spoken with over the years, is that when I actually made the leap it created space that allowed new ideas, people and opportunities to enter, and the next steps seemed to arise spontaneously. Just start. The answers will come.
There are so many amazing ideas here, David. I can agree that all of the things you list above helped me when I was going through my own changes. I particularly love what you repeatedly emphasize… just start. The answers will come.
Okay, so people don’t think we’re total dental geeks, let’s get a little personal. What is your favorite movie?
As I was pulling out of my drive early this morning my neighbor shouted over/asked how I was going? Jack, who is approaching 70, is a beautiful fellow and I always look forward to and enjoy our chats. He had just returned from a month in Europe and after a brief exchange asked if I had time for a coffee? Nope. Would have loved to, but too busy. And so ten minutes later we were sat in a café and spent the next hour chatting about love, life, relationships, fatherhood, parenting, loss, teething children (note: I had been up since 3.50am with the littlest one), farting (don’t know how that came up?) and our favourite movies.
Too many to mention but several of my stand-outs over recent years include:
– The Untouchables (Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy)
– A Monster Calls
– Captain Fantastic
A couple of classics:
– The Shawshank Redemption
– It’s a Wonderful Life
What is a silly or interesting fact no one knows about you?
Whenever I fart around the children, I blame the floorboards, even if I am standing on concrete.
What do you do for fun and/or creativity?
Spending time and having fun with my family (partner and two children – son and step-son) and friends. Being creative with the kids – ever tried attaching boxes together and cutting out doorways to create a tunnel system? Great fun. Spending time in nature or by the ocean – blissful. Massage – giving and being on the receiving end. Meeting a friend for a coffee and having a good laugh/chat that warms my heart. Painting (abstract). Reading. Meditation, yoga and daily journaling. Men’s groups and spending time in the company of men whose company I value and respect.
How do you think all of these wonderful activities have helped you in your career journey?
They have supported my emotional, psychological and physical well-being and leave me feeling grounded and aligned. Also, I have met some amazing individuals whilst pursing such interests and have grown enormously from many a conversation had, all of which has impacted my career journey whether directly or indirectly.
This is great. I know I found that bringing creativity into my life was a huge key for helping me catalyze change. David, thank you so much for your time and efforts. It has been an honor to learn about you and share your story. I know that you are continually riding the wave and new opportunities keep showing up for you. I can’t wait to get an update in the future and see what is next for you!
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