So what are we going to do about it. Most of us only focus on the endgame. If we continue only to focus on that, we are going to be lost. Instead we need to shift our way of thinking. Instead of complaining about being accepted by the public and medical community for what we do. We need to start simple. Instead of saying that there is no way we can stay in the profession and thrive as individuals and giving up, we need to get back to basics.
It starts with each day. Each day you go to work, make sure that on THAT day you have done your job to the best of your abilities. You have provided the best care you could have for each athlete on THAT day. While you are doing that, ensure that you have carried yourself as a professional. Make a point to interact with athletes, coaches, parents, administrators, and other medical professionals in a way that is appropriate of the respect that you seek. At the end of the day look back and take stock. Was there anything you could have done better? Then, you will go back and do it all again the next day.
As you continue to focus on your daily goals you can begin to think a little bigger. What issues have arisen on a daily basis that made your goals more challenging. Which of those goals are in your control, and which ones are not. Those that are in your control are ones that are easier to address. However, if we recognize those things without actually addressing them we are stuck. How can we ask others to make changes when we are not willing to make them ourselves? We must then take those challenges that our not in our control and prioritize which ones we can begin to address. Once we make that determination, we can start formulating strategies to address those challenges. We tend to make the mistake of trying to take on too many of these challenges at once. Take a step back on go one at time.
How can we be successful taking on those bigger challenges? We need allies. We need supporters that will feel as strongly about those challenges as we do. The problem is that you can't always expect others to have that same passion about the subject. That is when you need those supporters to "Buy In" to YOU. You don't need them to feel as strongly about the issue at hand, you need them to feel strongly about YOU. If they do, they will be an ally and a resource. It is the relationships that we develop that are important to our success. How do we get people to buy in to us as individuals? Do your job. Do it well. Every time we get an outsider to buy into us as individuals is a win for the profession. Those "buy ins" add up to credibility.
Unfortunately it works both ways. Whenever someone does not do their job to the best of their abilities it affects all of us, because all the outsiders associated with that Athletic Trainer extend their view of that individual to the profession. Every time someone does not act in a professional manner, whether it be in person or on social media it affects all of us. The only thing that spreads faster than positivity, is negativity. How can we address that issue? Be a mentor. Guide those that need guidance. It is a burden we must all share for the good of the profession.
If we all take responsibility for our own actions as professionals, that will allow each and every one of us to positively influence the profession. That positivity will help us gain momentum in the bigger picture initiatives. This burden is on each an every one of us.
Time to go to work....
#AT4ALL
#AT4EVER
If we all take responsibility for our own actions as professionals, that will allow each and every one of us to positively influence the profession. That positivity will help us gain momentum in the bigger picture initiatives. This burden is on each an every one of us.
Time to go to work....
#AT4ALL
#AT4EVER
