442. Passions Lift Him Through Life

Dr. Frank Gibson

Jazz music was Frank’s first and lifelong passion. He played it through high school, a college music scholarship and after. “I love music, but not the business of music.” How would he navigate the business world and still follow his dream?

Dr. Frank Gibson founded the largest integrative medicine clinic of its kind, then sold it to turn his focus to launching an alcohol abuse recovery program. In a lifetime that has encompassed four careers, he has appeared on more than 50 TV and radio programs, been featured in dozens of magazines, and has presented over 100 seminars throughout the U.S. and Europe.

How Did You Start Using Your Talents?

Playing jazz music was Frank’s first passion. “Jazz still captures my imagination. I was extremely self-disciplined as a child, because I loved playing jazz so much. I realize now that early in my life discipline was what enabled me to follow through and be successful, in whatever career choice—and I’ve had four successful careers so far!” Growing up in the early years of the space program, when other kids his age were dreaming of being astronauts and NASA engineers, Frank had little encouragement in jazz, other than the musicians who were family friends and his former opera singer mom. He learned early on to use self-discipline and focus to pursue his passion.

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

Frank loved music, but not the business of music. He saw firsthand how competitive it was. So, he earned a business degree and in nine years co-created a thriving chain of eight luxury steakhouses with the co-founder of Burger King.

“My next move was three years of not working, probably the most memorable move I’ve ever made in my life. It wasn’t about ‘finding myself.’ It was a critical time to understand how I could develop a career that expressed my strong compassion and my desire—my need—to do something useful for others.” He adds with a laugh, “Basically I had crammed wine, beer, liquor and steaks into people through the first stage of my career. I was comfortable and I wanted to do something that was useful.” These years of reflection set him on a path of integrative medicine and holistic health.

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

“I don’t have to ask myself this question. I climbed the fifth highest mountain in the world and I don’t remember looking at the view, which is funny to me now. But I do remember sitting there and thinking, ‘Okay, what’s next if I get off this mountain alive?’ I don’t have to ask myself questions about my future because this is it. I have never done anything better in my life than what I’m doing right now. As I’m wrapping this lifetime, the plan is there: playing great jazz in my final career. Mellow clubs and happy jazz, and then, there’s no encore.”

Steps to Success from Dr. Frank Gibson

1. Identify what you want, and what you need to get there. Know the difference between what you want and what you need.

2. Be totally selfish. Others around you—your spouse, family, associates and friends—will benefit from your commitment, experience, power and the end results.

3. Develop self-discipline. Commitment moves us into action, but discipline makes us winners.

4. Just because you are following your passion doesn’t mean it can’t fail. So, be open to and fearless of all possibilities.