Ready Set RESET!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As the end of the quarter draws near, it is time to RESET! Though our intentions are sincere, and our resolve is strong, statistically only 8% of us will accomplish our goals and sadly, 80% of us will have already failed and abandoned our efforts altogether 30-days later.

Today’s society is all about GO! GO! GO! However, activity does not always equal results. Before you GO, take time to RESET. To get from point A to point B successfully, you must first:    

1. Know where you are currently (Point A)
2. Decide what destination you are trying to reach (Point B)
3. Set your goals
4. Identify your obstacles
5. Adjust & Repeat

Let’s use a simple example. Your goal is to double your practice.

KNOW WHERE YOU ARE CURRENTLY (point A). Common sense tells us that Point A is where you are right now. Where EXACTLY is that? If your goal is to double your practice, how to do you accomplish that without understanding what your current average cash in is, as well as what your current average cash out is? Or if you do not know your current patient visit number and average dollar collection per visit? Your Point A needs to be more specific than “I want to double my practice” or “I want to see twice as many patients.”  Many times, you will be able to better determine your Point A by first deciding your Point B.

DECIDE WHAT DESTINATION YOU ARE TRYING TO REACH (Point B). If point B is doubling your practice, what does doubling your practice look like? How many patient visits per week is that? What does your average dollar collection per visit need to be to for that patient visit number to equal the total revenue you need? Do those numbers support your increased overhead?

For example, if you currently see 50 patients/week and your goal is to see 100 patients/week, is it that simple? Is that REALLY your goal? What if you start seeing 100 patients/week but your collections do not double, they only increase by 20% because of the type of average new patient? However, your overhead has increased by 40% because you have had to add new team members to oversee the additional volume. Congratulations? You are now seeing 100 patients per week AND making less money.

As I mentioned in Point A, sometimes determining your Point B first will help you know what information you need to better determine exactly where/what Point A is.

SET YOUR GOALS. Just like Point A & B, your goals must be specific. No wishy washy, pie-in-the-sky, mumbo jumbo, vague “let’s see what sticks,” half-assed goals. I am sure you have heard this before, and I am going to reinforce it one more time. SMART goals are the key:

• Specific: “Double my practice” is not specific enough. I want to see an average of 100 patients or more per week, at a $75 average collection per visit is.
• Measurable: “Double my practice” gives you nothing you can measure. An average of 100 patients or more per week, at a $75 average collection per visit is measurable.
• Attainable: A goal that is attainable is one that you can actually accomplish. If your goal is an average of 100 patients or more per week, at a $75 average collection per visit do you have the capacity to reach that goal? Is there enough room in your schedule book? Enough hours in your day? Enough space in your office? A team that is all in? A measurable plan to market and attract new patients? And most importantly, do YOU buy in and believe in your goal? Your business will never outgrow you; if it does, you will not maintain it for long.
• Relevant: Does your goal align with your overall vision? If you are at an age where you are starting to plan for retirement, does it make sense for you to try and see twice as many patients per week? Maybe. Or maybe the better goal would be to determine how to bring an associate on board that will eventually buy your shares of the business and to help build their numbers as part of that process. Or to add PT to your practice instead to afford you the ability to bring in an associate. The point is, do not set a goal for the sake of setting a goal. Ask yourself, does it align with my vision? Does this goal help get me to my ultimate destination?
• Time-bound: Your overall goal, and any steps in between, should have specific timelines. Do you want to see 100 patients on average per week by the time you retire or within 12 months? A timeline makes all the difference.

IDENTIFY YOUR OBSTACLES. What? Do you mean life might get in the way? Getting from Point A to Point B is rarely a straight line. Think ahead. What are some things that could challenge you along the way? Turn-over and training? Major road construction in your area? No process for re-calls? The extra time you like to spend chatting with your patients? Your head space? Write down the obstacles you know might challenge you along the way AND how you will deal with them when they happen. Also write down your process for what you will do when the unexpected happens. (i.e.:  (1) Send team an email regarding the challenge. (2) 2-3 days later have a brainstorming meeting on how to manage. (3) List all ideas & narrow down to top 3. (4)  Pick or vote on one and set a SMART goal to get it done.)

ADJUST & REPEAT. We are always moving and evolving, which means you must be open to change and ready to adapt. You should review your status and adjust every 90-days using the same steps.

This is your RESET. When you consistently RESET every 90-days you are setting intentional goals and creating intentional processes to accomplish those goals. You are building yourself a path to your destination. Now it is time to GO!

Additional Tips:

1. WRITE IT DOWN. Daydreamers only THINK IT. Goal slayers INK IT.
2. BE POSTIIVE. Use positive language when setting your goals. Make sure your goals are framed around what you want to achieve, not what you want to avoid.
3. IT’S ABOUT YOU. If you sent a goal because you think you should, or it is easier, or what you think is expected of you, you will most likely fail. Goals need to be made for the individual/team setting them. For example, if you are passionate about veteran care, then set a goal around that patient demographic.
4. ASK FOR HELP. No one can do everything alone. Use your resources to delegate, automate and/or ask for help when applicable.

REINFORCE & CELEBRATE. Recognize the small accomplishments along the way to your big goal. If you are struggling to reach your goal and having to adjust, recognize the actions of your team who are on board and working to make it happen with you. Thank you cards and a nice water bottle can go a long way. It does not have to be big – it does have to say, “I see you and appreciate your efforts.”

Finish the year off right by partnering with Money Tree Billing. All we do is chiropractic and physical therapy billing, to eliminate insurance hassles, bring you stability, and get you paid! Reach out today to find out how our billing experts can help you and/or your staff take care of your billing hassles so you can take care of your patients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]