In this insightful podcast episode of the Authentic Dentist Podcast, hosts Shawn Zajas and Dr. Allison House engage in a dynamic discussion centered around the crucial topic of goal setting and life alignment. The episode begins with Dr. House sharing her annual tradition of conducting a full-day team meeting in January, where personal and professional goals are set. The hosts emphasize the significance of celebrating achievements from the previous year, creating excitement for the upcoming year, and strategically planning for success. 

Shawn Zajas then introduces a new perspective on goal setting, drawing from his recent retreat experience focused on work-life balance and alignment. He highlights the idea of quarterly meetups and year-round accountability to enhance goal achievement, suggesting the possibility of creating a community of like-minded individuals, such as fellow dentists, for mutual support and transparency. 

The conversation takes a deeper turn into the challenges of self-criticism and the need for individuals to extend the same grace and understanding to themselves as they do to others. The hosts explore the struggles of being kind, compassionate, and gentle with one’s own growth and journey, emphasizing the power of community understanding shared challenges, fears, and aspirations. 

As the hosts continue, Shawn shares a visual metaphor—an upside-down triangle representing life priorities. Business or vocation sits at the top, family in the middle, and self at the bottom. They discuss the common tendency to prioritize business first, leaving family and self with whatever is leftover. Shawn challenges this hierarchy, advocating for radical intentionality in aligning all aspects of life, including personal power, purpose, relationships, and prosperity. 

The hosts delve into the distinction between time and energy, emphasizing the importance of being present and intentionally putting energy into various aspects of life. They discuss self-care and the need to prioritize oneself in a healthy way, distinguishing it from activities that may seem like self-care but don’t contribute to overall well-being. 

The latter part of the episode features a reflection on capacity-building and the significance of starting small in goal-setting. Shawn shares insights on the concept of going tiny, encouraging listeners to steward momentum by setting achievable goals. Dr. House adds her perspective, highlighting the importance of building capacity gradually over time. 

The podcast concludes with a reflection on the journey toward personal and professional success, urging listeners to express themselves fully and live authentically. The hosts invite the audience to subscribe for future episodes, leaving them with a message of encouragement and empowerment. 

In summary, this podcast episode provides a comprehensive exploration of goal setting, life alignment, self-care, and the power of community support. The hosts blend personal experiences, insights from a retreat, and practical advice, creating a rich and valuable resource for listeners seeking a holistic approach to achieving their goals and living authentically. 

Connect with Shawn Zajas
IG: @zanadental

Connect with Dr. Allison House
IG: @housedental