What are you looking forward to?

What is it that occurs in the future that helps you endure slogging it out in the present?

Turns out this is more important than many realize. It's the promise of a better tomorrow that encourages us to persevere.

It's what motivates patients to seek your care.

In Victor Frankel's classic, Man's Search for Meaning, he observed that when a male concentration camp prisoner stopped shaving, death would soon follow.

I see something similar among chiropractors for whom retirement is what they're looking forward to.

Careful. Playing golf every day and spoiling the grandkids sound great. But I'm told it loses its appeal sooner than you think.

There is no shame in instrument adjusting. Or working fewer days.

Before you withdraw your experience and wisdom, be mindful of two key issues: your identity and your purpose. Surrender them if you must but keep shaving.

Bill Esteb has been a chiropractic patient and advocate since 1981. He is the creative director of Patient Media and the co-founder of Perfect Patients. He’s been a regular speaker at chiropractic gatherings since 1985. His 12 books explore the doctor/patient relationship from a patient's point of view. His chiropractic blog, in-office consultations, patient focus groups and consulting calls have helped hundreds of chiropractors around the world. Since 1999 Monday Morning Motivation has been emailed to over 10,000 subscribers each week.