The Power of Professional Pride

Elevate your Chiropractic Career and Business:

In this episode of the Seven Figure Chiro Podcast, hosts Dr. Jeffrey Berard and Kristin dive deep into a key mindset that can set successful chiropractors apart—professional pride. Whether you're an associate chiropractor looking to climb the ranks, a practice owner striving for operational excellence, or a team leader wanting to build a high-performing team, professional pride is the secret ingredient that fuels long-term success.

What is Professional Pride?

Professional pride is the internal motivation and commitment to excellence that drives individuals to give 100% effort, even when no one is watching. Unlike external validation or ego-driven recognition, professional pride is a deeply personal and self-sustaining value that shapes how you show up at work every day.

Are You Playing at a Division 1 Level?

Dr. Berard opens the episode with a powerful analogy about collegiate sports—specifically Division 1 athletes. Many young athletes dream of playing at the highest level, but few are willing to put in the work required to compete at that elite standard.

The same applies to chiropractic professionals. Many chiropractors want to build a seven figure practice with a stellar reputation, a smooth-running business, and financial success. But are they truly willing to do the work to achieve that level?

Why Professional Pride Matters in Chiropractic

1. 90% of Your Work Goes Unseen – But It Still Matters

Most of what we do daily in the office—preparing treatment plans, following up with patients, refining our skills—goes unnoticed by others. Yet, it is this unseen effort that separates great chiropractors from average ones. Seven-figure chiropractors embrace this reality and take pride in doing things well, regardless of recognition.

2. The Link Between Professional Pride & Career Growth

Kristin shares an inspiring story of Sam, a team member who started as a massage therapist and worked her way up to operations manager by exuding an incredible level of professional pride. She didn’t wait for praise or micromanagement—she simply took ownership, worked relentlessly, and became invaluable to the business. Today, she’s one of the highest-paid team members in the organization.

👉 Lesson: Those who take ownership of their work rise to leadership positions and see greater financial and career success.

3. What a Lack of Professional Pride Looks Like

Not everyone exhibits professional pride. Imagine a chiropractor who spends downtime scrolling on their phone instead of working on patient care, business strategy, or personal development. This kind of complacency keeps people stuck at the same level while those with professional pride continue to advance.

How to Develop & Cultivate Professional Pride

Step 1: Take Ownership of Your Work

Whether you're an associate chiropractor, clinic owner, or part of the support team, act as if you own the business. Own your results, put in the extra effort, and take pride in delivering excellence.

Step 2: Focus on Internal Motivation, Not External Recognition

Many people feel unappreciated when they don’t receive praise. But true professionals don’t rely on validation from others. They set high personal standards and take satisfaction in their own efforts.

Step 3: Make Yourself Invaluable

If you want higher pay, promotions, or more responsibilities, the best strategy is to become indispensable. When employers see a team member consistently going above and beyond, they naturally invest in them.

Step 4: Adapt & Learn from Failure

Repeating the same mistakes won’t get you ahead. If something isn’t working, reflect, adjust, and improve. Those who continuously adapt and evolve will always outpace those who stay stagnant.

Overcoming Barriers to Professional Pride

Lack of Recognition: Remember, you don’t need applause to do great work. Take pride in the work itself.

Feeling Undervalued: Instead of resenting a lack of appreciation, use it as fuel to work even harder. Your value will become undeniable over time.

Toxic Work Environments: Even in challenging workplaces, leave your signature on your work. Your reputation follows you wherever you go.

Final Takeaways

• Professional pride is the key to chiropractic success. It separates the elite from the average.
• Your best work often goes unseen—but it still matters.
• If you want more from your career, focus on being invaluable.
• Hire & surround yourself with people who embody professional pride.

Are you ready to level up? Start embracing professional pride today, and watch how it transforms your career, team, and business.