In this final article of three in a series, we’ll talk much more about the most important roadblocks to private practice success.
Roadblock 5: Failing to Live & Practice by Design
Do our needs change as time goes on? Of course, they do! One of the biggest things to realize is that as we grow, mature, accumulate, age, etc. our desires and needs change.
If we don’t regularly update our life and practice designs, the result could be simple frustration, or if left unchecked burnout or worse.
Health care is stressful enough without adding to it. One of the biggest reasons we choose private practice is we get to be in charge. We are way ahead of the curve just by our choices.
However, even the most successful of us, can become comfortable, and as soon as we become comfortable, we may end up making decisions that do not benefit us in the least. So, the solution for this, is to be sure we spend adequate quiet time regularly, where we can reflect, and make sure that what we are working so hard to accomplish is in fact serving us and not the other way around. This is also why; I strongly recommend you schedule time with mentors, colleagues, and other people you can pass your concerns and thoughts around with nonjudgmentally. Historically, I have always found walking away from these meetings, leaves me with a profound sense of satisfaction and renewed direction.
Roadblock 6: Ignoring Signs of Trouble Ahead
Now trouble comes in all shapes and sizes.
It’s easy to look backwards, and say “wow, I should have seen that coming.” versus paying careful attention every day and saying, “If I don’t act now, I’m going to pay the price.”
One of the places this shows up is not only with some patients, but with employees. One of my mentors once told me that one of the most stressful parts about practice is when patients and staff start to act like people. Now of course, some no doubt says the same thing about us! It could be something as simple as a demanding patient you’ve dealt with repeatedly or a staff person who shows up late more than once. It’s a vendor or banker. I’m sure there’s a few more you can think of too.
The difference is, when you are fully in charge of your life, and your direction, let alone responsible for your family, and their futures, the decisions you make every day become much more important than ever before.
What really really separates those who do extraordinarily well in life and practice, versus those who continually struggle in one way, or more is this habit of paying deliberate attention and taking quick action. Only by acting, do we minimize potential impacts of bad decisions and everything that goes with them. As painful as some of these may be, they hurt a lot less than waiting for something to implode.
So I hope you have found this series helpful! Remember to always keep your life and practice simple and as fun you can!
Whenever it’s not, act now, or be willing to pay the price.