Sometime in February

It was this time last year, 26th February 2021, on a Friday that I had my last day at my previous work place after 11 years of 9 to 6 grinding. Not many people realise how stressful clinical dentistry can be, coupled with Lagos stress. I would spend 5 hours in traffic and 9 hours or more at work daily. There were days when I left home before my children woke up and returned after they had slept. 

 

I remember crystal clear – on 28th November 2009, I had the inspiration to set up a dental clinic. Out of the blue, the name immediately became clear to me – SPRITZ. I shared it with my wife-to-be, who promptly wrote it down in her diary. I had no idea about the financing, the timing, nor what the journey would be like. But the seed had been sown.

 

That vision materialised fully on 8th May 2021, when I saw the first patient at Spritz Dental. Interestingly, I knew within me that my time was up at my previous place of work. But taking that bold step of putting in a resignation was not at all easy. When you have a family to take care of and you are not a hundred percent sure of what your next step will bring, then you may second guess yourself. 

 

I believed that nothing would take form, if I did not take that bold step come what may. As at the time of my resignation, I had bought a brand new dental unit which was stored away in its crate for over a year. But I had no idea where the location of the clinic would be. After I resigned in February 2021, I began looking out for property in specific locations. Few of my confidants who knew I was resigning without having set up my practice advised me against such foolishness. For me, the die was cast.

 

Finally, I got a property on 1st April 2021. Interestingly, the location was not my prime choice. I just went to check the place out of curiosity, based on a recommendation by my agent.

 

This is a year after my resignation and I can look back with gladness that I took the right step. I am in a place of peace and fulfilment. I am more personally productive, healthier, spend less time in traffic and more time with my family. To top it off, I am doing the best dentistry of my life.

 

I do not know what your dreams and aspirations may be – but I can tell you that if they are legitimate, then pursue them with every fibre of your soul. Do not be deterred by the naysayers, only be propelled by the power of your vision. Let your obstacles be your stepping stones. There will be failed promises, but the doors will open at the perfect time. Along the way, helpers will come. Do not expect everything to be perfect before you venture out.

 

Mine is a work in progress and a beautiful journey. I would have it no other way.

 

There is a tide in the affairs of men.

Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;

Omitted, all the voyage of their life

Is bound in shallows and in miseries.

On such a full sea are we now afloat…

-William Shakespeare