Every year we get lots of calls with doctors that want to reach for another level of profitability and production. Great calls, that’s what we do, but I have to wonder why they called in January? Why not October or June? Do doctors just wake up in December and realize that once again they failed to set goals, strive, and embrace change, or does winter just make everyone reflect on failed efforts and unrealized expectations? Was there some tragic event in their lives that forced them to face the reality that their lives and businesses reflect the fact that they have been coasting for the last ten years? There are probably a few who are starting their careers and are excited about the prospects of opportunity and a bright future. There are probably an equal number who have reached that “use before date” in their practices only to realize they have squandered millions and now face the fact that they will have to work the rest of their lives just to survive. For whatever reason we get a lot of calls, and probably don’t get a lot of calls from those who should call this time of year. I want to take a moment and give you a simple “1, 2, 3 strategy” so that you don’t end up next year with the same unintended results you got this year.
I know, you don’t want to set goals, but without them, you will never get started taking the actions you need to direct the momentum and trajectory of a Super General Dental Practice (“the practice you always thought you would have”).
You can’t hit a target you can’t see. You must have focus. There are only three basic rules.
1. Goals must be written down.
2. Realistic plans must be made for their accomplishment.
3. Deadlines must be set and honored.
Management expert and noted author and speaker Peter Drucker said: “The common denominator of all successful people is a perfect balance between thought and action.”
Failure is inevitable; you just shouldn’t link it to giving up.
Did you know that 5 out of 10 people avoid setting goals because they’re simply afraid they’ll feel bad if they don’t reach them? When people are unsuccessful in goal setting and leadership development, it is usually because they don’t know where to begin.
When you identify your goals, you will begin to sense the power of your own talents, abilities, and capacity to effect changes in yourself. You will emerge from underneath hindering circumstances that have previously limited you and establish a more concrete leadership direction. You will be more goal directed and achievement-motivated, and as a result, will develop a non-limiting belief in yourself and your ability to lead that will inevitably carry you to whatever heights of achievement you envision.
Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts. Proverbs 24:3-4 (TLB)
The starting point of all achievement is desire. Napoleon Hill
Whatever the mind can conceive…and you can bring yourself to believe…you can achieve! Napoleon Hill
In our next installment, I will show you a super simple tool that allowed me to structure my practice and life in order to retire debt free and financially independent.
Michael Abernathy, DDS
972-523-4660 Cell
[email protected]