A common reason that a practice struggles to thrive is the quiet, almost imperceptible pull of wanting to be liked. 

We all want to be liked. Yet, even with our best efforts—there are still those who don’t like us! 

Seeking approval often grows out of uncertainty about one’s role, unclear boundaries, or misplaced emotional investments.

Identity – Doubting the value of what you offer. Questioning your clinical certainty. Or carrying self-doubt that makes confident leadership harder for patients (and staff) to feel.

Boundaries – Blurring where your responsibilities end and a patient’s begin. Taking patient choices personally. Feeling the subtle temptation to rescue, fix, or play the hero for the dopamine hit.

Outcomes – Drifting into therapeutic care by focusing on symptoms rather than reducing nervous system interference and supporting the body’s innate capacity to function.

Be likeable. But constantly second-guessing ourselves is physically exhausting, emotionally costly, and distances us from others.

Bill Esteb, a passionate chiropractic advocate since 1981, brings a fresh perspective to the profession as Patient Media’s creative director and co-founder of Perfect Patients. With 13 insightful books examining the doctor-patient relationship, he inspires chiropractors worldwide as a chiropractic speaker, through his chiropractor coaching program, and consulting. Since 1999 Monday Morning Motivation has been emailed weekly to over 10,000 subscribers, sparking breakthroughs across the chiropractic community.

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