John B. Mattingly Practitioner's Credo

Annotation

As practitioners, it is easy to fall into the trap of exaggerated self-importance as we complete our education and move into the world of the professional. At that moment, the aura of being something special is there for the taking. We have worked hard, accomplished a major objective in life goals, attained the cultural level where respect has been secured with the potential to earn income such that we should never have to want for anything of a practical nature. Each of us during our training and schooling has striven to excel to demonstrate superior ability as we competed against other students for recognition of our accomplishments and our abilities. Yet, once we achieve the goal of becoming the professional that we aspire to be, we must step back and reflect on what we have and who we are. A successful practitioner is one who realizes that respect is a two-way street.