It takes time.

I am sure you have had this conversation many times with your patients, you know that one about healing taking time. Trying all you can to explain to them that the human body does not simply fix overnight.

Such an obvious notion but often tricky to convey.

But today I am not here to talk about the speed of healing. I want to address the other thing that takes time, that we so often overlook, or wish was not true.

Success. Yes, winning in life and practice takes time. And so much more time that you think. Our race for the life retired on a beach with a pina colada is so false. The social media world and all the coaches telling you, a quick fix or this and that formula to get rich quick and retire early, is all a lie.

Please tell me if I am wrong, I’d happily come and sit on a beach with you! (only joking, you know I’d rather be working and building a legacy than putting my feet up).

And some of you may be saying, hey Tom I’ve achieved success in a small space of time. My warning to you, is do not fall foul of building on weak foundations. As soon as you turn your back it could all come crashing down…

Enough with the fear mongering, I am going to assume you are with me and do understand this concept. What I want to share with you today is how you can speed that process up a little. Not overnight! But at least with more haste and certainty that you would otherwise.

It all comes down to solid foundations and direction.

Here are my 3 tips to help you create concrete and sure success (yes it will still take time, but it will last).

1.      Vision.
What is it you want? This is often done, especially at the end of a year as we begin to think about our dreams of the year to come. But more than just your vision, needs to be what is the vision for your team, patients, employees? How are you creating a framework for your success and incorporating other’s visions. If you do want to find a life on the beach, then you need an inspired and dedicated team to take on your work. Without clear vision and direction this is not possible.
Spend time to cast your vision and see how others can fit inside it.

2.      Systems.
The vision creates the direction, but how is that vision achieved? Who does what, where, when, and how? This nitty gritty is the backbone of a business. It is the thing that keeps the machine running no matter who is in control.
Take a look at your practice and your business, do you have a system and procedure for everything that happens?

3.      Work.
There is no substitute for work, putting in the effort is essential. Just thinking about what you want won’t bring it to the dinner table. Making a system won’t get the work done. And this is where it takes time. You must lead, and leaders ‘do’, they don’t order. Show your team what it takes, the effort you are willing to put in, and they will learn to do the same. Try and test this for years, and then you can start to move away.

With love,

Tom