For entrepreneurial physicians: How to play a Bigger Game

As a participant in The Bigger Business Contest, and having recently been approached by a new physician client who wants to build a world-class sub-specialty practice, I am aware of the shivery thrill and mind-numbing challenges we face when we wake up one day and decide to play a Bigger Game.

There’s a cool 9-part model that I like to refer to, created by a coach named Rick Tamlyn; you can read about his model at The Bigger Game.

Here then are the nine parts to the Rick Tamlyn Bigger Game model that so inspires me:

1. The first tremor occurs when you decide to step out of your Comfort Zone and abandon the safe “satin-lined coffin”, as I like to think of it.

2. You develop a Hunger, for more meaning or a greater sense of purpose in your life. Anyone knows what that feels like?

3.  Instead of being an apathetic victim trapped in disappointment and anger at how medical practice has failed you, you discover a revitalized need to have a real impact on others. Now you are developing awareness of your Compelling Purpose.

4.  It’s then time to Assess and take stock – to figure out what gap needs to be closed, and how to do that practically and emotionally. It’s time for a game plan.

5.  Fortified with a plan, creative thinking and a certain amount of irrational faith, you are then ready for Bold Action. Attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a favorite quotation of mine is “Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

6.  This is not pussy-footing around stuff, like making lateral moves to another medical group – this is the kind of stuff that innately makes you Gulp. You intuitively know this has to be your calling or your next move, but you aren’t even sure how you are going to pull it off!

7.  At stake is the Sustainability of your move. Anyone smart enough to become a physician is also smart enough to throw themselves into the fire of learning something new. And become obsessed by it. To the point that they don’t even pretend to seek balance.

But part of what makes this Bigger Game model so meaningful is that it demands that you find a way to build on and sustain the other nourishing parts of your life – family, personal growth, relationships, self-care etc. Doing it any other way implies mere escape from one form of tyranny to another.

8.  A substantial career-altering move needs Allies – a support system of cheerleaders, gurus and wise colleagues who provide the encouragement, resources and mentoring such a radical transformation demands.

9.  And finally, the success of The Bigger Game you choose is all about the quality of your Investment of your personal resources – time, money, energy and courage.

If you are considering playing a Bigger Game, I encourage you to reflect on each of these components. And then go for it!