How gamification and intentional triggers can transform your professional development journey
In the fast-paced world of modern dentistry, authentic dental practice success requires more than clinical excellence—it demands a strategic approach to professional growth that most practitioners never learn in dental school. In a recent episode of The Authentic Dentist Podcast, Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas explored revolutionary concepts that could transform how you approach dental practice leadership and personal development.
What if you could approach your authentic dental practice development the same way successful gamers approach leveling up their characters? This isn't about playing games—it's about applying proven psychological principles that create unstoppable momentum in your dental practice success metrics.
Shawn Zajas introduced a fascinating concept from a book written by a gaming industry executive who credited his $100 million success to "gamifying" his life. The principle is elegantly simple: treat yourself as a character with specific skills to develop, quests to complete, and levels to achieve.
For dental practice leadership, this means identifying seven key areas where you want to level up:
Clinical Excellence Pathway
Leadership and Team Development
Business and Growth Mastery
Personal Brand and Influence
The key insight? Finding fulfillment as a dentist requires the same strategic approach that creates success in any complex system—clear objectives, measurable progress, and meaningful rewards.
Dr. Allison House's exploration of "Triggers" revealed a profound truth about human behavior that directly impacts dental practice work-life balance and professional growth. Even dedicated professionals with strong habits can fail when their environment doesn't support their goals.
Her vacation experience perfectly illustrates this principle. Despite being someone who consistently exercises at home, the absence of visual cues and convenient access immediately disrupted her routine. This isn't a failure of willpower—it's a design problem.
Overcoming dental practice challenges often requires environmental engineering rather than motivational speeches. Consider these trigger-based strategies:
Visual Cue Systems
