Brunelle family stands in front of a wooden fence with a lush background. As we approach the New Year, I'd like to wrap up 2013 by sharing some quick "philosophical foundation" reminders here over the next several days. Consider it a countdown of defining thoughts to reflect on over the holidays and to carry into 2014.

My first thought is about overcoming one of the most common barriers to success – our own inclination to get in our own way with what I call "yeah, buts." "Yeah, but my patients wouldn't go for that." "Yeah, but I'm not in the right area for that." And probably the most common one of all, "Yeah, but I just don't have time."

The woman in the above photo is Dr. Cheryl Brunelle of East Rochester, N.Y., along with her husband (who is a periodontist) and their five young children. Dr. Brunelle is a regular presence at the Spear campus and an enthusiastic participant in a Study Club in her area. She is one of those people who always seem to be reaching new levels and her energy and positive attitude is infectious.

When I spoke with her recently after another course she was attending, I joked with her about how she only comes to Scottsdale to escape her busy, manic home life. She laughed, but she is quite serious about why she does what she does.

As she explains it, she not only does it for herself and the practice, she also wants to be an example to her kids. She says she is always telling her children – who are into sports and various other interests – about the importance of practice and getting the right coaching so you can be your best. She wants them to see that she believes that for herself too. That's why she was here with us in Scottsdale again, while her in-laws were "rewarded" with some extra quality time with their grandchildren.

The point is, if anyone ever had a built-in "not enough time" excuse, it's a busy dentist with five children. However, Dr. Brunelle recognizes that everything meaningful in life comes with barriers. You can let them stop you, or can decide that those barriers are just tests of how badly you want something. She has seen the benefits of pursuing continuing education and she never wants to stop growing as a clinician. She is committed to ongoing learning and finds a way to make it happen – no ifs, ands, or yeah, buts.


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Comments

Commenter's Profile Image Barry Polansky
December 12th, 2013
Good thoughts Imtiaz. There is a reason why all of the great philosophers start their personal philosophies with "knowing thyself." From Aristotle and Socrates to Stephen Covey and our own L.D. Pankey---this is the best advice. The "yeah but" is nothing more than resistance coming from any external source---but the answer is always within---and the only way to find it is to get better acquainted with ourselves. Most people don't. Behind the resistance is some fear...emotional resistance---that can only be overcome through using our rational mind to give us reasons to go through the barriers(your word). Cheryl has done that by using a "reason why" philosophy. Thanks for inspiring me this morning.
Commenter's Profile Image Maxwell Thaney
December 13th, 2013
Wonderful article about a wonderful clinician, mother, and person. Cheryl is one of the most positive people you will ever encounter. She continually motivates everyone around her just from her attitude, and her ability to think "Yes" when most of us say "Yeah, but". I am proud to call her a friend. Perfect person to profile in a great blog.