When asked how to overcome someone with more talent, the dermatologist who has focused on scars for 25 years points to perseverance rather than special talent. This is a story shared while reflecting on the year spent establishing a greeting culture at the clinic and the time dedicated to scar treatment when no one else recognized its value.
It took a year to change just one thing: greetings
When the director set a rule for everyone to greet patients and each other, he thought it would quickly take root as it was beneficial for everyone. In reality, it took almost a year to reach the desired level.
"I didn't realize how difficult it was for people to change their behavior. Greeting is easy, isn't it?"
During that time, he heard many complaints, and quite a few staff members quit. He admits to having considered giving up midway. Now, everyone does it naturally, and the director considers it a great asset to the clinic.
People dislike change itself
Even things that are later acknowledged as good are almost always met with resistance at the moment they begin. The director views this not as an individual problem but as human nature. Even changes that will later be praised as excellent are initially perceived as inconvenient.
The criteria for deciding what to give up and what to push through
In difficult moments, no thoughts come to mind, but once the hurdle passes, one begins to reflect. The director says that at such times, he examines why this pain came, and whether it might be due to his own stubbornness.
"As I ponder, if I realize I've been a bit too ambitious, it's right to give up. But there are also times when, even after pondering, I feel more convinced that this is truly the right thing to do."
However, he draws a line, stating that giving up without any thought is a different matter.
Scar treatment also began with weak conviction
Focusing on scar treatment was almost unprecedented in Korea. Because it was new, his own conviction wasn't strong, and he sometimes heard unfavorable remarks from other doctors.
Conviction grew with repeated treatments. However, scars tend to improve slowly, so some patients left disappointed after about a month.
"Many people return after about two years. When they compare with old photos, that's when conviction sets in."
The only cheat code for ordinary people
The director's conclusion is simple: rather than trying to beat someone with more talent, sticking with one field to the very end is the path left for ordinary people.
"I've only done scar treatment for 25 years. Now, I think it has become a scar treatment hotspot."
The video concludes with the message that the very act of holding onto one thing for a long time ultimately becomes expertise in that field.