Invest in Yourself

Executive Editor Daniel Alter, MSc, MDT, CDT

In today's rapidly evolving environment, we are oftentimes consumed with the struggles of making the right investment decisions in order to achieve financial feasibility and growth, both personally and professionally. This includes pursuing the best equipment or products for your dental laboratory so that you can strive to serve your clientele best and grow the laboratory's bottom line. These are all worthwhile endeavors and should be continuous. However one of the most critical investments one can make, which regretfully is often overlooked, is making a conscious investment in oneself. In the famous words of iconic investor Warren Buffett, "The best investment you can ever make is an investment in yourself." After all, you are the one making those hard decisions to ensure the viability of your business; shouldn't it be the best version of "you" making those decisions?

To invest in yourself, you must constantly strive for personal growth in order to become a better version of yourself today than you were the day before, not unlike what you want for your laboratory. Develop your skills through immersion in advanced education, habitual learning, and expanding your knowledge. Enroll in workshops, attend conferences, engage in webinars, and read—books, articles, and anything you can get your hands on that is related to your desires, both personally and professionally. These don't necessarily mean only dental-related subject matter. There are many other topics and opportunities to grow and learn that will expand your mind and perhaps offer you a different perspective, one that would potentially help you make a better decision. Open your mind, engage in inquisitive conversations, ask questions, and keep your mind consistently active.

Lastly, take care of yourself, mind and body. Even amid the stressful day-to-day operation of a dental laboratory, you must remember to nurture your own well-being so that you can successfully manage all that comes before you. Eat well, exercise, and don't push too hard. Overload can lead to making hasty, poorly considered decisions that will affect many involved. Investing in yourself truly makes a significant difference in your life and shapes the way you interact with your clientele, employees, vendors, and the world. The future is largely dependent on the decisions you make. A healthier version of you that is more knowledgeable will be significantly better equipped to make those key decisions.

It is my honor and pleasure to elevate and inspire with knowledge.