Thinking about transitions

Feb 7, 2010

Editor's note: The Coaches Corner column appears regularly on the DrBicuspid.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion.

In a meeting almost a decade ago, at the beginning of a professional coaching program that would lead to my certification as an integral coach, I was introduced to the concept of Bardo. I immediately thought "Bridge!" and settled happily in my chair -- until I found out that Bardo is a concept in the Tibetan Book of the Dead and then I began to eye the exits.

But our leader patiently explained that Bardo means any state of consciousness, an intermediate or momentary state between our past and future existences. He went on to explain that we are always in transition and that life, ultimately, is defined by transitions. This concept of Bardo has stayed with me all these years. Since 2001, I have doubled my dental practice, started a coaching practice, been caught in the bursting of the tech bubble, had bypass surgery, not to mention the devastating recession, and now I am writing an autobiography. From time to time I think of Bardo -- but frankly I am too busy!

But the concept hit me hard when I recently began discussing succession planning. You really think about transitions when you admit they are going to run out.

From a coaching perspective, in which we strive to attain full wakefulness, examining the Bardo that we are in seems critical. We will all, if we are lucky, face some transitional issues. I invite you to ask yourself the following questions:

Where am I in the cycle of my life with family and friends, and what plans do I need to make to responsibly move through the next one?
Am I being fiscally responsible? Have I taken care of pensions, insurance, philanthropy, and the bevy of material things that we have accumulated? Do I have an updated will?
Am I being professionally responsible to my patients and staff? Have I made plans for the transfer of my practice?
Am I taking emotional responsibility for the next period of my life? Have I had these important and difficult conversations with my husband, wife, or partner? With my children?

OK, for an old guy like me it makes sense to get your Bardo on. But I submit that to be awake to life, we can all benefit from the Tibetans. It's all about transitions. And if we plan ahead for them, in all aspects of business and life, everyone we touch will be happier -- friends, patients, staff, colleagues, family. And us!

Alan Goldstein, D.M.D., F A.C.D., is a member of the Dental Coaches Association, an organization of dentists and professional coaches who are committed to bringing professional coaching to the dental profession. Learn more by visiting www.dentalcoachesassociation.org.

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