Prioritizing Provider Wellness: A Pathway to a Healthy, Profitable Practice

As a business consultant and executive coach for healthcare practice owners, I've witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of burnout and compassion fatigue. Too often, provider-owners get so consumed by the never-ending demands of leading a practice that they neglect their own mental and emotional wellbeing. This self-neglect inhibits not only their ability to provide top-notch patient care, but also to effectively lead their team and grow a sustainable, profitable business.

The past few years have been a wake-up call that this fundamental issue can no longer be ignored. With the healthcare industry facing major staffing shortages and workplace culture challenges, a new approach is critical. 

At the core of this much-needed shift is a powerful truth: healed people heal people. 

To build a thriving, rewarding practice, provider-owners must first embark on their own inner work and healing journeys. This unlocks immense potential - enhancing emotional resilience, deepening patient rapport, catalyzing leadership skills, and preventing costly burnout and turnover. Just as you cannot pour from an empty cup, you cannot nurture a successful business without nurturing yourself first.

Trailblazing healthcare entrepreneurs are paving the way by thoughtfully integrating complementary healing modalities into their services, fostering whole-person wellness for their clients and staff alike. 

Last month was Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S., and we featured podcast interviews with three mental wellness innovators, Jessica Martin, Julie Ann Otis and Maureen Clancy. Key themes emerged that savvy healthcare business owners would be wise to embrace:

The immense value of combining medical and business acumen with personal growth work. Julie Ann found that exploring principles of quantum physics and energy healing transformed her ability to create profoundly impactful client experiences and rapid results - a clear competitive edge.

For Jessica, integrating mindfulness, breathwork and sensory techniques into her practice model enhanced trauma-informed care and boosted key metrics like patient satisfaction, reviews and referrals. Prioritizing her own self-care through these modalities was essential to sustaining excellence.

Maureen, a trauma therapist and group practice owner, encourages providers to examine any fears around adopting alternative healing methods. "We have to think beyond the conventional clinical norms we've boxed ourselves into," she says. With more clients seeking integrative care, ethical and legal incorporation of effective modalities can foster trust, differentiation and new revenue streams.

"We have to think beyond the conventional clinical norms we've boxed ourselves into," Maureen says.

The Business Case for Integrative Healing

Beyond the powerful personal and clinical benefits, there is also a compelling business case for provider-owners to thoughtfully integrate complementary healing modalities into their practice offerings. This can open up exciting new revenue streams while supporting patients' robust healing journeys:

Referral Revenues

By developing relationships with vetted, high-quality alternative healers like Reiki practitioners, energy workers, or meditation teachers, providers can offer referrals for these services. This added-value can deepen patient loyalty and referral sources for the core practice itself.

In-House Healing Professionals

Another model is hiring such healing professionals to work onsite, allowing for integrative treatment plans that blend conventional care with energy work, sound healing, or other modalities. This creates a seamless, one-stop experience for patients and an additional revenue center.

Provider Certification 

Entrepreneurial providers can also choose to get certified in specialties like breathwork, aromatherapy or visualization techniques themselves. You can enhance your service menu with new adjunctive offerings, packages or membership programs - diversifying income while delivering holistic, patient-centered care.

No matter the specific approach, integrating complementary modalities allows your practice to stand out in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape. It enables you to attract more of the "conscious consumer" market segment prizing preventative self-care and personalized wellness solutions.  

Most importantly, it empowers you to fully address root causes - not just symptoms - and tap into often-overlooked emotional/spiritual dimensions of human health. For savvy entrepreneurial practices, prioritizing this level of comprehensive patient care and staff wellness can fuel exponential business growth.

The writing is on the wall: to build a profitable, impactful 21st century healthcare business, providers can no longer separate personal mastery from professional mastery. An investment in your own multidimensional healing journey - be it through therapy, mindfulness, energy work or another modality - is an investment in the exponential growth of your practice.  

Those who boldly expand their vision from "treating symptoms" to "facilitating whole-person transformation" will be the leaders ushering healthcare into a more conscious, holistic and human-centered era. 

In this new paradigm, healed people heal people and practices, and sustainable profitability becomes the natural result.

If you're a provider-owner seeking to build a thriving, sustainable practice without sacrificing your wellbeing, I invite you to explore working with us. As a healthcare business consultant and executive coach, I partner with innovative provider-owners to optimize operations, prevent burnout, and implement strategies that elevate profitability and market leadership while nurturing personal growth. Schedule a consultation so we can co-create your inspired next steps.

About the Author

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC, is an executive coach and leadership development expert. Her mission is to unlock the potential for success in every individual and organization she works with. With a background in operations and a passion for driving growth, she approaches each engagement with professionalism and a keen eye for optimizing structures, processes, and productivity to boost profitability.

Tracy's coaching, consulting, and training programs are designed to provide a holistic experience, integrating leadership development, executive coaching, and mindset mastery. Her expertise has been sought after by small business owners, industry groups, networking organizations, government agencies, and corporations alike.

Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Tracy now calls Chapel Hill, North Carolina, her home. Wherever she goes, her commitment to helping people and organizations reach their full potential remains unwavering.

Empowering Wellness Through Nutrition and Self-Care

A profound shift is underway in healthcare, one that focuses on the transformative power of nutrition and self-care. This shift is not just a trend but an important movement toward holistic, patient-focused care. Medical providers stand at the forefront of this shift, playing a vital role in guiding patients toward a path of wellness through nutrition and self-care. By incorporating nutritional or health coaching services, not only can you enhance your patients' well-being, but you can also create a profitable income source for your practice.

Throughout March, Thriving Practice podcast is focusing on the important role nutrition plays in patient well-being. Our host, Tracy, welcomes guests Hally Brooke, Founder & CEO of Live Nourished Coaching, and Jillian Greaves, a Functional Dietitian and women's health specialist. 

Nutrition, though often underestimated in its impact, is a foundation of health. By embracing the concept of food as medicine, you can empower your patients to take control of their well-being. Encouraging a diet rich in whole foods, abundant in nutrients, and tailored to individual needs fosters not only physical health but also mental clarity and emotional balance.

Self-care goes beyond pampering; it is an act of self-love and care. By advocating for practices that nurture the body, mind, and spirit, you can equip your patients with the tools to thrive through life's challenges. 

In her interview with Tracy, Hally shares her journey of battling Shingles and exploring functional medicine to address gut health issues. Her story highlights the power of lifestyle changes in achieving holistic wellness and emphasizes the significance of mental health in treating chronic illnesses.

Jillian talks with Tracy about her journey from working in a busy hospital system serving patients in endocrinology, and how she moved away from the traditional hospital model to starting her practice. Within her practice, she practices as a Functional Dietitian who helps women reclaim their health through hormone balancing, lifestyle changes, and nutrition. 

Both guests bring a great deal of knowledge, wisdom, and compelling stories from similar niches; though, offering unique experiences and perspectives from personal experiences. 

Similarly, both episodes discuss strategies for professionals looking to transition to private pay models, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's worth, educating patients on the benefits of personalized care, mastering marketing techniques to stand out in a competitive market, and providing flexible payment options to ensure accessibility to services.

By incorporating these insights into your practice, you can enhance patient care, drive business growth, and help create a system that's more connected and aware of patient needs.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, embracing personalized nutrition, emotional well-being, and innovative business models is key to transforming patient care and practitioner success.

To learn how to begin incorporating these insights into your healthcare practice, schedule a consultation with our founder, Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, CPSC. Experience the transformative power of clear, empathetic communication for collective growth and success.

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Are you a healthcare provider facing the challenges of managing your practice while aiming to deliver exceptional care? Do you aspire to expand your practice sustainably without succumbing to burnout? You are not alone. 

Join Thriving Practice Community, designed for practice leaders. Together, we break barriers and unlock your practice's potential. Engage in discussions, learn from experts, and connect with peers who share your drive for success. Access coaching, consulting, and master classes to grow your practice without sacrificing your well-being. Join us in a collaborative community that nurtures ambitions and equips you to overcome obstacles: ThrivingPracticeCommunity.com

Navigating Winter Blues as a Provider Owner

Protect yourself from winter burnout.

The significance of time management for practice owners during this season, alongside the importance of self-care, is crucial to ensure a healthy and balanced professional and personal life all the while enjoying the joys of the season.

As we find ourselves amid the winter season, many find themselves caught in the aftermath exhausted from the previous month of festivities, family gatherings, and the hustle and bustle. Not to mention, the looming task of crafting New Year’s resolutions to kickstart the “new year, new you” mentality. However, for practice owners and those managing private practices, the winter season can bring about particular challenges that contribute to what is commonly known as the "winter blues." 

The significance of time management for practice owners during this season, alongside the importance of self-care, is crucial to ensure a healthy and balanced professional and personal life all the while enjoying the joys of the season.

The Seasonal Blues in Healthcare:

Private practitioners often face increased demands during the winter season. Patients may be dealing with heightened stress coming off the holidays, battling Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or seeking help for new concerns. As a result, practice owners may work longer hours to accommodate the influx of appointments and urgent cases. This surge in activity can contribute to burnout, fatigue, and an overall sense of overwhelm, giving rise to the seasonal blues. Especially with those who struggle with time management.

Time Management in Private Healthcare Practices:

Effective time management is a cornerstone of maintaining a successful and sustainable healthcare practice. Even more so throughout the winter season. Furthermore, at time of publication, we are experiencing a surge of Covid-19 around the US. In the last 14-days, there has been a 20% increase in cases, specifically in the ages 70 plus. 

Here are some strategies to help practice owners navigate their schedules:

Prioritize Patient Appointments:

• Identify urgent cases and prioritize appointments accordingly.

• Consider extending clinic hours or hiring additional staff to aid the additional demand.

Set Realistic Boundaries:

• Communicate clearly with patients about new hours and availability.

• Establish boundaries for responding to non-urgent inquiries to avoid unnecessary stress.

Utilize Technology:

• Implement telehealth services for routine follow-ups and non-emergency consultations.

• Leverage scheduling software to streamline appointment bookings and reminders.

Delegate Responsibilities:

• Delegate administrative tasks to support staff to free up valuable time.

• Collaborate with colleagues to share the workload and ensure comprehensive patient care.

Self-Care Throughout the Winter Season:

Throughout the demands of a healthcare practice during the winter season, practice owners must prioritize their well-being. Here are some self-care strategies to foster a healthy work-life balance:

Schedule Breaks:

• Block out time for short breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent burnout.

• Use breaks to engage in mindfulness exercises or take a short walk to clear the mind.

Celebrate Achievements:

• Reflect on professional accomplishments and personal growth throughout the year.

• Share success stories with colleagues to foster a positive and supportive work environment.

Connect with Peers:

• Attend industry events or virtual meet-ups to connect with other healthcare professionals.

• Share experiences and insights to gain new perspectives and support.

Plan Personal Time:

• Block out time for personal activities, celebrations, and relaxation.

• Prioritize family and personal commitments to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The winter season can be a challenging time for practice owners, but with effective time management and a commitment to self-care, it is possible to navigate this period successfully. By prioritizing patient needs, setting realistic boundaries, and embracing self-care practices, practice owners can provide exceptional care to their patients and ensure their well-being during this season. 

If you are a practice owner looking for support to lower your stress levels and fall (back) in love with your practice in the New Year, schedule a strategy call to see how we can help you take back your time, grow your practice, and elevate your leadership.  

Charting the Course: Innovations Shaping the Future of Healthcare

The transition from college to the "real world" comes with a whirlwind of challenges, and one that often goes overlooked is the struggle to find trustworthy doctors and manage one's healthcare independently. For many young adults, this can be a daunting task, filled with uncertainties and questions. 

In a prior blog post entitled "Navigating Healthcare Challenges for Post-College Individuals: Insights and Solutions," I explored the countless difficulties that young adults face as they transition into the "Real World." Regardless of whether one is employed full-time, part-time, on contract, or freelancing, securing healthcare in the United States is challenging. The task of locating a dependable and suitable provider can often be more daunting than obtaining a healthcare plan itself.

However, companies, such as One Medical, are stepping up to make this transition smoother for the post-college generation.

Need a little background from the previous blog post before we go forth? 

Young adults might have relied on the same family doctor they've known for years. I am guilty of going to the same practice for multiple years–even when I went to college out of state. Finding a reputable doctor nearby can be a significant challenge. Additionally, factors like long wait times, rushed appointments, and a lack of personalized care can lead to a disillusioned view of the healthcare system. Especially when your schedule is now confined to a 9-5 with minimal flexibility.

However, read the full blogpost here to catch up. 

This is where companies like One Medical enter the scene, reshaping the way young adults approach their healthcare. One Medical, founded in 2007, has gained popularity for its innovative approach to primary care, making it particularly appealing to the post-college generation.

Convenience: One Medical prioritizes convenience. With their user-friendly app, it allows patients to easily schedule appointments, renew prescriptions, and access their medical records. This aligns perfectly with the tech-savvy nature of young adults–definitely beats a phone call that may result in being on hold for over 10 minutes.

Accessible Locations: One Medical has strategically placed its clinics in urban areas, making them accessible to many young adults who often reside in cities post-college. This eliminates the hassle of traveling long distances for medical care.

Mental Health Support: The post-college age can be emotionally challenging, and One Medical recognizes this. They offer comprehensive mental health support, acknowledging the importance of mental well-being. Not into the whole office visit thing? One Medical also provides Live Video Chat (24/7!). 

Transparent Pricing: Navigating insurance and healthcare costs can puzzle young adults. One Medical offers transparent pricing, helping patients understand the financial aspect of their healthcare. They also accept (most) insurance plans, which can save you the headache of finding a provider in your area.

The Future of Healthcare for Young Adults

One Medical's approach is not just about providing medical services; it's about making healthcare more manageable for the younger generation. This approach is gaining traction and could potentially set a precedent for the future of healthcare. It’s also important to acknowledge that One Medical is not the only player on the field. Many startups and healthcare providers are recognizing the unique needs of young adults and are tailoring their services to be more accessible. 

The transition to independent healthcare management after college can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Companies like One Medical are redefining the healthcare experience for young adults, emphasizing convenience, personalization, and accessibility. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial for the younger generation to explore these options and take charge of their health with confidence. 

If you’re a provider who would like to grow your practice and are passionate about supporting your patients, schedule a complimentary strategy call. We can help you grow your practice, recapture your time, and bring your focus back to providing the highest level of care for your patients. 

In this ever-evolving field, it's crucial to prioritize the needs of your patients in order to deliver a high standard of care. This approach not only fosters the growth of your practice but also cultivates meaningful connections.

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We are not affiliated or sponsored by One Medical or practices associated with One Medical.

In a world where healthcare can be complex, many people are drawn to simplicity and ease. One Medical is a great example of a healthcare provider that's changing the game. They focus on making things easy for patients and skip the usual insurance hassles. If more healthcare providers follow their lead, we might see a shift towards simpler, patient-friendly healthcare. This approach challenges the old way of doing things and could make healthcare better for all of us.

Navigating Healthcare Challenges for Post-College Individuals: Insights and Solutions

Transitioning from college to the professional world brings a range of new responsibilities for young adults, including managing their healthcare. Many individuals encounter difficulties accessing appropriate healthcare services, particularly in finding OB/GYNs, primary care doctors, and affordable care options. 

In a perfect world, national healthcare plans would not be dependent upon employment or income; however, in America that is not the case. By sharing the challenges young adults/post-graduates face once stepping out of the cocoon of schooling, we hope to share the importance of affordable and accessible healthcare. 

By discussing issues such as pap smears, cost, finding an appropriate healthcare provider for individual needs, and how to navigate health insurance in the ever-growing freelance age, we aim to shed light on only a few challenges faced by post-college individuals and offer insights and solutions to navigate these obstacles effectively. 

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The Pap Smear Conundrum: Breaking the Silence

Young women often find themselves at a loss when it comes to pap smears, a vital screening for cervical cancer detection.

Inadequate knowledge about pap smears and the appropriate age to start getting them leads many young females to overlook this crucial test. The silence surrounding this topic in health courses and the lack of discussion by primary care providers leave them in the dark, unaware of the importance of early detection. 

A lot of females, like myself, find themselves sitting in the physician's room at twenty-two or twenty-three years old being told they are late with getting their first Pap smear. How could any of us be “late” when we didn’t know twenty-one was the age to begin getting routine Pap smears every few years? 

Moreover, primary care providers have a responsibility to proactively discuss pap smears with their young female patients. By initiating these conversations and providing clear guidance on when to start screenings, healthcare professionals can ensure that no woman falls through the cracks and misses out on necessary preventive care.

Breaking the silence surrounding the pap smear conundrum is essential for empowering young women and protecting their health. By raising awareness, promoting ongoing education, and fostering open discussions, we can ensure that every woman receives the necessary information and support to prioritize her reproductive health. 

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Understanding Abnormal Pap Smear Results

Abnormal Pap smear results can leave women feeling anxious due to unclear explanations from healthcare providers. It is imperative to seek follow-up care and further medical advice to address any potential complications. Only some providers will share that it is completely normal to receive abnormal results the first go-round. What do abnormal results even mean exactly? Abnormal results from a Pap smear mean cell changes were found in your Cervix; however, it does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. These changes can be minor or low-grade, and in most cases go back to normal on their own. Though, routine checks are essential for familiarizing females with their bodies and feeling confident to know when something feels off. 

The Search for Healthcare Providers

Post-college individuals frequently encounter challenges when searching for suitable primary care doctors, resulting in gaps in their healthcare management. The transition from student health services to independent care can be daunting, and navigating the healthcare landscape can be overwhelming.

The struggle to find a primary care doctor who meets their needs often leaves post-college individuals without a consistent healthcare provider. Post-college and young adult needs vary from finances, racial connection with providers, telehealth options for lack of transportation, and specialty care needs. This can lead to missed preventive care opportunities, delayed diagnoses, and fragmented healthcare experiences.

Closing these gaps in healthcare management requires proactive steps. Exploring online directories, seeking recommendations from trusted sources, and reaching out to local community health centers can help in finding suitable primary care doctors. 

In the newfound digital age, our generation relies on healthcare and insurance providers to have an online presence beyond generic search pages. Having accessible information that is easily digestible instills confidence in those who are weary about making appointments. Beyond that, more practices offering telehealth allows the younger and older generations to take appointments in the comfort of their own home. 

Building a strong patient-provider relationship is crucial for receiving comprehensive and personalized care, as well as establishing a trusted source for healthcare guidance.

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Affordable Healthcare and Birth Control Options

Access to affordable healthcare and birth control remains a significant challenge for many young women and adults, particularly those with unstable employment or inadequate insurance coverage. The cost barrier often prevents them from accessing necessary healthcare services.

It's essential to go beyond traditional birth control options like the Pill and raise awareness about alternative methods that are equally effective, available, and more affordable. From long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and implants to barrier methods like condoms, there are various options to consider based on individual needs and preferences.

Addressing the affordability issue requires a comprehensive approach. Advocacy for accessible healthcare services, including reproductive health, can help ensure that young individuals can access affordable care and necessary birth control methods. Public education campaigns, insurance coverage expansion, and increased availability of low-cost or free clinics are key steps toward bridging the affordability gap.

No person should be denied access to essential, high-quality healthcare due to financial constraints. By acknowledging the cost barrier and promoting awareness about affordable birth control options, we can work toward a more inclusive healthcare system that provides equitable access to reproductive healthcare for all.

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Insurance Challenges in the Freelance Economy

In the growing freelance and contract work landscape, obtaining affordable and comprehensive health insurance coverage has become a luxury for many individuals. The absence of employer-provided benefits poses unique challenges, leaving freelancers to navigate the complex world of insurance on their own.

Fortunately, there are alternative options available for freelancers to explore. Professional organizations may offer group health insurance plans or resources to help freelancers find more affordable coverage. 

By sharing information about these alternative options, freelancers and others can gain a better understanding of the resources available to them. Accessing affordable healthcare should not be a privilege limited to those with traditional employment. It is important to advocate for policies and initiatives that address the insurance challenges faced by those who lack full-time positions and ensure they have access to the coverage they deserve.

In the freelance economy, insurance challenges are real, but solutions exist. A few places to begin are with the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama Care, HealthCare.Gov which offers a lot of options for those who are self-employed, and COBRA offers affordable healthcare options to those as well. The majority of self-employed, government-assisted plans are accepted by providers.

Post-college individuals face a multitude of challenges when it comes to accessing general healthcare, understanding their options, and managing their reproductive health. By empowering individuals to advocate for their healthcare needs, we can work towards a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system. 

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In the grand scheme of everything, healthcare providers are pivotal in advancing accessible care by advocating for policies and practices promoting inclusivity and affordable options. Providers can become allies to help ensure accessible healthcare for all. 

For providers looking to engage in advocacy, there are resources available to support their efforts. One example is the "Healthcare Advocacy and Policy" program offered by the National Healthcare Advocacy and Communication Association (NHACA). This program equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate effectively for accessible care at local, regional, and national levels. 

If you’re a provider who would like to grow your practice without overworking, and you’re passionate about supporting your patients, schedule a complimentary strategy call. We can help you grow your practice, recapture your time, and bring your focus back to providing the highest level of care for your patients. 

Together, we can ensure that every human has access to the healthcare they deserve, regardless of their age, insurance coverage, or employment status.

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WE NEED YOUR EXPERTISE

At Tracy Cherpeski International, we are writing a white paper for provider-owners to address the challenges of being a provider and business owner, specifically the challenges of juggling administrative and clinical duties with patient care. We are interviewing 100 practice owners for our research.

We appreciate you sharing your time with us to support our research. Our working thesis is that current research about providers is limited at best, and often does not address the challenges and needs of practice owners. 

We will use the results of our survey to write a white paper that will benefit practice owners and their teams from a business operations perspective. We will be delighted to share the white paper with you when it is completed.

Why Time Management Doesn't Work, and What You Can Do About It

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

Time is the one thing all humans have same amount of each day, unlike money, energy and abilities. I’ve yet to have any clients who use their allotted time the exact same way, but what I’ve witnessed over the years is something my happiest clients have in common, and it’s not how they “manage” their time. It’s how they lead their time.

Does any of this sound familiar to you?

You’re successful, AND you feel trapped by your success.

You feel like you never have enough time. You’re wearing multiple hats as the business owner, chief strategist, team leader, fire-putter-outer, and all-around “it” person in your business. You have a team, and they’re great, yet, you still find yourself doing so many things that monopolize your time and zap your energy. 

You wonder if you made a mistake unplugging from the system you left behind, because maybe after all, it would be easier to go back to working for someone else. You may even be wondering if you’re cut-out to achieve the success and freedom you crave.

You are not alone. Many business owners tell us a version of your story when they come to us: 

• They’re overworked.

• They’ve become disillusioned with being in business for themselves and are considering going back to work for a different organization (the VERY THING they left due to burnout and other frustrations!)

• They’re not experiencing the time and financial freedom they envisioned when they started their business.

Will it get better? Yes!

Imagine if you could gain control of your schedule. Picture working only on tasks that are directly related to strategic business priorities and providing excellent customer care. 

What would you accomplish if you were able to block time for research, writing and publishing; speaking and teaching; and advancing your status as an expert in your area of speciality? 

How about the practical stuff? Eat lunch every day. Leave on time every day.  

Envision your team as happy, proactive, engaged and committed to your values and vision. They’re looking for ways to support growing your business and serving more clients or customers with the highest level of attention and care. They understand the value of your time, and they appreciate your commitment to honoring their time as well as your own.  

You may have been wondering how it’s possible to create this kind of utopia, especially if you currently feel like your business could swallow you whole at any given moment. 

Fear not. With some analysis and adjustments to how you structure your time, your mindset about what’s required of you to run a successful business, and how you view time itself, you can make this beautiful picture a reality. 

Start with understanding the importance of the three pillars of Time Leadership: 

1. Discovery

2. Analysis

3. Action

In the first pillar, Discovery, you examine what is most important to you. Do not skip this step. Write it all down. What are your values? What do you really want? Is it time with your family, leisure time, start another business, pursue a hobby, travel the world? Get really clear about what you want for your business and for your life. Write it all down until you have no answers left to the question: What do you really want?

Next pillar, Analysis, is where you comb over how you use your time. Write down every single task, meeting, water cooler chat and everything in-between. Now assign a monetary value to every half hour block of time. This is tedious, but it’s also eye-opening. How much money are you costing your business doing tasks better suited to others on your team? 

If you’re slightly horrified, good. Then you’re ready to take action.

The third pillar, Action, is where a lot of business owners and entrepreneurs want to start, but without clarity, will run in circles, exhausting themselves and costing their businesses dearly. I always recommend my clients start with one or two areas to take action for a while. Don’t flip your business model or your calendar on its head. You’ll regret that. Focus on 1-2 actionable items that are relatively easy or simple to implement. Once you’ve gained momentum, you can work on more changes.

This is just the surface of Time Leadership, but once you start here, you can start to get a feel for how to think and act as the leader of your time and of your organization. 

Time Management implies controlling and getting as much done as possible, whereas Time Leadership is about guiding your attention and focus to the things that are most important.

If you’ve found that time management tactics aren’t working, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board, get clear, craft your strategy, and THEN implement your tactics. Remember that tactics without strategy will not get you where you want to be. Strategy without tactics, ditto. But start with a clear strategy and simple tactics, and you’ll build momentum. Momentum is your friend, so long as you’re taking inspired action and know the direction you want to head.

Think about jump starting a stick shift car. If you’ve ever done this, you know what I’m about to tell you. The key to getting the engine started is momentum. The biggest hurdle is to get the car moving. The first few steps are a total bugbear, but then you’re moving. Once the car starts to move, you can walk faster and eventually start running. Once you’re running, you jump in, put the car in gear and drop the clutch. The car will magically start. Entrepreneurship is kind of like this. Slowing down in order to speed up, and deciding to start thinking like the leader you are, by prioritizing and assigning monetary value to your TIME will help move you in the right direction, and will alleviate a whole lot of the overwhelm and stress of running a business. 

Let’s review and remember the 3 pillars of Time Leadership:
Discovery - what do you really want?

Analysis - how much is your time worth, how much do you cost your business, and how much are you leaving on the table performing tasks better suited to your team or outsourced?

(Inspired) Action - What’s the next best step? What is one thing I can get done right now that has high value and contributes positively to the bottom line?

Remember that time management without a strategy, meaning clarity and vision, is like getting in your car without putting a destination into your chosen map or GPS. Going for a random drive is cute, but if you really want to get somewhere in a certain amount of time, you’d best provide those inputs. 

Time leadership is about directing your time and energy to the important tasks that help you grow your business and make money. Contrary to what many business owners think, not everything is a fire to be put out immediately. Being clear about what’s most important will save you time, money and effort, which will enhance your fulfillment and impact. 

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Make sure to take notes, and please do take a moment to write a review and share this podcast with fellow entrepreneurs so they can also learn with us. Entrepreneurship can feel like an isolated island, so the more we can come together, the more supported we feel.

I’d like to leave you with a quote:

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.     

 - Carl Sandburg

If you are a physician or practitioner practice owner, schedule your complimentary strategy session to learn how to take back your time and energy while growing and scaling your practice.

Pain and Suffering: Healing and growing through acceptance

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” - Kahlil Gibran What a powerful statement. We’ve all heard the phrase, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” right? I suppose that is true, but I do not like the negative connotation, because my literal mind interprets that to mean that great suffering is always negative or that some form of death is imminent. Suffering and pain are a natural part of life. Stuff happens. Life happens, and we cannot control that. We can, however, control how we view life and what we make of our experiences. We can accept the lot we are given and not only make the best of it, but move it the direction we want it to go.

If out of suffering emerge the strongest of souls, then perhaps we need to reach deep down to decide how to use the difficult periods in our lives to build our character and emerge from the ashes stronger, more powerful and ready for action. We all have our own story, and if you know me personally or follow this blog, then you know that I’ve had a significant amount of life change in the past couple of years. Much of that change arose from profoundly painful decisions and experiences, but those were necessary in order for me to find my way to where I am now.

I used my pain as the impetus to start my new life. I will not say I have been able to to this with grace and dignity every step of the way, but I do my best every day given the circumstances and the resources I have (energy, emotional intelligence, time, strength.) I believe scars show as reminders of what we have learned, and will fade over time. I also believe, however, that the challenge is to keep the scars from hindering our ability to continue to move, as some scar tissue does after injury or surgery. This is a strong metaphor. If we leave our painful experiences in place and do nothing to massage, stretch or heal the damaged ares, we will eventually lose some of our mobility.

When the physical body sustains an injury or is recovering from surgery, there are three distinct stages of healing: Acute Inflammation, Repair and Remodeling. I compare the emotional and spiritual healing process to the physical, because I believe that the mind, body and spirit are interconnected, and frankly, linking our emotional healing to something tangible like tissue repair can give us hope and focus. The end of a relationship is an excellent example of the need for healing and recovery.

Almost everyone has experienced the loss of a relationship, either by their own choice or by the other person’s choice. It hurts, is often a blow to the ego and emotions, and can take some time to recover.

Stage 1. Acute Inflammation. This is the time immediately following injury. When a relationship ends, there is a period of pain, sometimes experienced as anger, hurt, frustration, sadness or some combination thereof. As with physical injury, this is very normal. The immediate response is pain, swelling, heat and redness. Inflammation is an imperative part of healing because it helps defuse the toxins to allow the healing process to begin. Plainly stated, we have to feel the injury, the pain, swelling of emotions, and discomfort in order to rid our system of the toxins and negativity that would otherwise fester into something far worse and potentially more damaging. As inflammation decreases, the repair process can begin.

Stage 2. Repair. Damaged structures begin the repair process by forming new connective tissues. This is a fragile time when the injury should not be touched. Only gentle stretching, beginning slowly, and gradually building in intensity over time. At this point, the healing process is building toward remodeling, the final stage.

There is always a period of time after a relationship ends when we need to get ourselves right before we “move on” to another relationship. There is no definite timeframe for this, but we all know we need to take the time to heal, work on figuring ourselves out, learning what we need to learn. This is the time when we are most fragile, and as with physical healing, it is recommended that you allow yourself to heal before hitting the ground running again.

Stage 3. Remodeling. This is the time when you need to take a more active role in your healing. Damaged tissues can be “remodeled” thru a series of range of movement exercises. How fantastically symbolic! Once you have experienced the pain of the injury, given yourself time to feel the pain, allowed the inflammation to push the toxins out of your system, gently eased back into life - into a more active role in your recovery - then you can really remodel and reshape your life.

Taking into account the natural healing process, we can treat difficult times as we would an injury or recovery from surgery by taking this attitude: “Here I am, what now?" or, "It is what it is, now what?” We accept that something has happened, and now we need to recover from it. How do we best do this? It seems for the most part that we readily accept a physical injury and the need to heal from it, but emotionally and spiritually, this presents as a larger challenge. If we change one thing, our perspective, and just accept that we need to heal and move forward, we will already begin to grow in the right direction.

“In the difficult are the friendly forces, the hands that work on us.” - Rainer Maria Rilke

We have the real opportunity to live fully, with deep meaning and fulfillment. We can all get there with acceptance, love and faith. Allow the hard times to help shape the amazing path in front of you. Let yourself feel the pain, let it flow, and then take an active part in your recovery and keep moving forward. As you travel in this amazing journey called life, you will encounter bumps, twists and turns; this is your time to make that jagged path into something beautiful.

Blessings. Gratitude. Love.

Crystal, “Woo-Woo Magic” and Getting What You Want

“Attention energizes; intention transforms.” - Dr. Deepak Chopra We have heard that whatever we choose to focus on, we enliven and enlarge. Have you ever noticed that when you want something, say a new car, the one you want seems to pop up everywhere? When you’re in a good mood looking for parking, do you notice that the “parking gods” seem to smile upon you and a convenient spot pops up for you? How about if you thought about having a baby; did you ever notice how many babies or pregnant women seemed to pop into your existence? The same is true for what we don’t want. Have you ever started your day off on the wrong foot and noticed that everything went wrong?

Often we know what we don’t want, but when asked what we do want, we struggle with the answer. I sometimes hear from new clients how things seem to keep going in the wrong direction, particularly in certain areas of their lives. For some, it is around relationships, for others, money. For some, it is recapturing their health in the form of a healthy weight, physical fitness or simply the energy to complete daily tasks in their busy lives.

What happens when we become mired in thoughts around what we don’t want is that we attract more of what we don’t want. Simple enough, right? Taking a not-so-big logical leap, we can also say that when we become mired in thoughts around what we do want, we will attract more of that as well. Here is where the “Crystal, ‘Woo-Woo Magic’ and Getting What You Want” comes into play. There’s nothing mysterious or woo-woo about this, really, but it is quite magical. When you focus on what you want, you will attract more of what you want.

The key to really getting what you want is becoming crystal clear about it. The quote by Chopra above states it beautifully: attention energizes; intention transforms. So, before we focus-in on getting what we want, we need to be so clear about what it is so that we can set the intention of bringing it into our lives. There are many schools of thought on how to do this, but to me it is very simple:

1. Dream Big. Ask yourself this: “If I could wave a magic wand and have exactly what I want, how would that look?” Allow yourself to think outside of what you think you ‘ought to’ or ‘should’ have. Go for what you really want and start to envision that. Close your eyes and picture it, in detail. Notice colors, sensations and maybe even smells or sounds.
2. Notice Negativity and Release It. Do not resist the negative thoughts that arise. If you find yourself thinking, “That will NEVER happen! How silly to wish for something so outrageous!” do not resist the feeling. Acknowledge it, allow it to flow thru and out, and then make a choice to either believe the negative thought or not to believe it.
3. Take Action. Once you know what you really want, don’t worry too much about drawing-up the plan. When you know what you want and set your intention, the “how” and the steps needed make themselves very clear. Does this mean to not get organized or use plans? Not at all, but if you are clear on what you want, then even the making of the plan gets you closer to your dream. Take one step toward your goal or dream every day. Break it down, be inspired, tap-in to your vision and your intention, and watch your dream move closer to you every day.

This is the “woo-woo magic” of the Law of Attraction, Law of Intention and Law of Least Effort combined. You don’t need to understand or even pay attention to these laws. Just keep in mind that whatever we choose to give attention to, we enliven.

So, dream big, set your intention and take action. It’s that simple.

Blessings. Gratitude. Love.

(Photo credit: http://hopeinvain.com)

Learning to Fly - a personal note from Tracy

I wanted to share something personal with you this week - a learning experience worth sharing. I have been digging deeper in my own personal development work, and encountered some deep-seated fears and old feelings that no longer serve me. I have always been quite courageous and willing to take action in spite of fear, but I’ll be VERY honest: I wanted to throw my hands in the air and just run away. Of course, that feeling only lasts for a fleeting moment, but in getting to ‘that place’ and allowing myself to feel the feelings associated with the thoughts, I discovered a strength I had yet to fully tap into - the ability to let go. To really let go. To allow myself to explore the worst fear, visualize what that might bring me, how “bad” it could possibly be. The feelings associated with the fear were enlightening; I discovered that I had developed the habit of holding tension and negative feelings in my body. I also discovered intense anger when I allowed the feelings to bubble-up. Once I allowed myself to feel which feelings and emotions were attached to the thoughts and fears, compassion and tenderness overtook me. From that compassion came the release. I felt for the first time that I had let go of the hold I had let the past have on me that was keeping me from reaching some of my goals, and worse: kept me from believing I deserve to achieve them.

Have you ever wondered why you “can’t” get past something, or why you’re not able to reach your goals fully, or why things “keep happening”? It is entirely possible that you have not released the thoughts AND feelings that aren’t truly aligned with who you are today. We often go to therapy, work thru our past and think we should be prepared to go flying straight ahead... This is not usually the case.

Though it’s not easy, there is a simple process you can work thru to learn how to let go and set yourself free. I would love to share this with you, and am thinking about setting up a FREE Google Hangout or webinar where we can visit with one another and share ideas, insight and solid methods for reaching our highest potential. Always the coach and healer, I want to share these simple steps with you. Stay close. Information is coming.

If you are interested in speaking with me directly, reply to this email or contact me for a FREE 30 minute consultation. I reply within 2 business days, if not sooner, and I’d love to speak with you.

Blessings. Gratitude. Love.