Thankful

I usually blog about practice issues, but not today. Today is Canadian Thanksgiving Day and we'll soon celebrate our own Thanksgiving Day here in the US.

I'm particularly thankful because Kate and I went to Chicago to visit our youngest son Chris at his new job, see his new apartment and take him out to a birthday dinner. The walks, meals and hang out time was a gift to all three of us.

While visiting Chris' church in Chicago I heard a young man speak about the pain of being abandoned by his father. He and his dad had had no contact for 7 years.

As this young man prayed, he felt God told him to call his dad. What he didn't know was his dad was praying that his son would call him. To make a long story short, they connected, reconciled and now speak everyday.

Without being preachy in any way I want to encourage us all to reach out to our family. Happy Thanksgiving Day, Canadians.

An Amazing Galaxy

You all know I love the "best-ever" concept. No coasting - strive to produce your best ever, year after year. For me, this was a "best-ever" and one of the most productive and inspiring Galaxy gatherings I've ever attended.

Let me tell you why: Although location may not be the MOST important part, we were beautifully nestled in a luxurious hotel, the Charleston Place, in the beautiful and charming Charleston, SC. The weather was perfection the entire time.

You know how a good experience can forever mark a place as magic. That's what happened to me and I'd go back to Charleston in a heartbeat. But the setting isn't the whole picture.

I asked Dr. George Birnbach to help take Galaxy to a new level of executive training and development. Over the last 2 Galaxy seminars we've gathered feedback from Galaxy members and THIS meeting in Charleston was the first of a new direction that had us drilling and responding to challenges like never before. Dr. George and Jeannette Birnbach presented over 200 pages of brand new material and judging by the interaction, questions and excitement, it was a colossal hit.

For me, it was the first time I could participate as a full member of Galaxy - engaging in the drills, sharing my new goals for a new group of clinics and masterminding with other doctors to support everyone's success. I was able to do that thanks to the excellent work of Dr. George and Jeannette Birnbach. They carried the majority of the program throughout the weekend. I heard a number of doctors tell me they love the new direction and this is exactly what they were looking for. We welcomed new Galaxy members too. One doctor, when asked if he wanted to be a part of Galaxy from now on simply said "Of course, who wouldn't?" Exactly my thought.

Many of us shared one of the most spectacular meals I've ever had (and that's saying a lot) on Friday night. For me, the fellowship and casual sharing a good time as well as practice ideas with successful people is so enjoyable.

Thanks to those who gave of themselves to add their best to an incredible weekend and another great Galaxy.

Walking The Walk

An old friend and water skiing buddy, Dr. Phil Kriss, returned to Five Star and Galaxy a few months ago. For the record, his practice is exploding since he's been back.

He had been on hiatus for a few years and while away formed his own Galaxy type mastermind. They meet once a week in a special teleclass where they challenge each other, team up and hold each other accountable.

Phil explained the groups commitment level this way: "If you don't do what you commit to three times - you're out." Needless to say slackers need not apply.

What's the point? I love it when the serious men and women of chiropractic step up and give their best to becoming their best. Pray for the guts to walk that walk.

New Galaxy Members

Briefly, Galaxy is the Five Star high achievers group that meets 3 times a year for special content and masterminding activities and workshops. Every Galaxy seems better than the last.

In Palm Springs last month we welcomed 4 new members and we are looking a few good men and women to join us in Miami at the Trump International in May. I can hardly wait.

Dr. George Birnbach took us through a great exercise where we decided who would be as Galaxy doctors and who we were looking join Galaxy. Here's the list of character traits we as a group decided we wanted to join us:

• Committed
• Sharing
• Succeeding
• Helpful
• Ethical
• Funny
• Innovative
• Initiating
• "Best-ever committed
• Hard-working

That's a great list of characteristics to aspire to and also who we want to attract as Galaxy members. At Galaxy we want to see the sum of all the parts be greater than the whole.

See you in May.

Best-ever Galaxy

I'm still buzzing from the Palm Springs Galaxy we just concluded. What a great group of docs, spouses, kids and other family members. The excitement, enthusiasm and camaraderie generated over the weekend was felt by everyone. The Rancho Mirage was gorgeous and treated us like royalty, but the wonderful connection and great new material outshown everything.

Thursday night we reconnected in a casual reception and received new members. Everyone told their "story" and shared their successes. It was so inspirational. Everyone had just completed their best ever year in practice.

The work the Dr. George Birnbach did had everyone on the edge of their seat. Dr. Philip Cordova's presentation on internet new patients was superb and I wrapped up the weekend with keys and secrets to lasting change.

But it wouldn't end. Small groups were still wrapped in excited discussion, exchanging phone numbers and emails. We moved to the dinning room for a wonderful lunch and more learning, sharing and connecting. I got a strong appreciative handshake from one of the returning doctors and this encouragement "I've never learned so many new and usable things at one time, Noel" I told him that's what Galaxy is all about. A small group who overheard the comment smiled and agreed.

See you at the next Galaxy.

Noel

Galaxy's Second Decade!

For 10 years now a small group (10 to 20) of Five Star doctors gather 3 times a year in great locations (Palm Springs, Chicago, Hawaii, Park City, Las Vegas - just to name a few) to brainstorm, mastermind and fellowship over chiropractic, our practices and a more fulfilling life. The "work" has been wonderful. Let me give you an example:

Times without number doctors have pulled me aside at a Galaxy seminar to tell me with excitement about a new breakthrough or idea that came from the wonderful mix of teaching, sharing and masterminding their opportunities and challenges with the other doctors.

Many times the Galaxy projects reveal how brilliant and insightful each and every Galaxy doc is in his or her own special way. The intimate nature of the group develops the person, the relationships and successful action all at once.

As we head out into another 10 years, I'm excited for your insights, breakthroughs and successes to come. Here's to your next Galaxy experience!

Noel