November 2006

Setting high standards

by Dr. Eric Plasker

Reading the newspaper can be really depressing these days. Everywhere you go, the headlines are blaring bad news about bull markets and investors losing billions of dollars. These articles raise the question of what are the real ramifications of America's faltering economy for employees, homeowners, chiropractors, our children and their children?

Well, I'm happy to report that despite the pessimistic predictions that are plastered across today's tabloids, many Family Practice chiropractors are continuing to thrive and even enjoy record months. Their activities are catching the attention of their chiropractic neighbors who are noticing and beginning to wonder what sets them a part. The best answer (and defense) I have found for these DCs, who are truly defying the economy, is to say that they have set exceptionally high standards for themselves and their staff and have stayed committed to helping and serving their communities despite America's edgy economy. They ignored the doomsayers and have remained a driving force in their communities and in the world.

Regardless of the negative indicators, chiropractors are seeing positive numbers and an increase in demand because now more than ever, the general populace needs their services to ensure stamina during these stressful times. Now is the time to drive home to your patients the many benefits of chiropractic and the importance of keeping regular, consistent appointments for optimum mental, emotional and physical health. Pay attention to how world events are changing the priorities and goals of your patients, and help them achieve those goals.

Symptoms that you will probably begin to see more of are back pain, migraine, and fatigue, which can stem from and be aggravated by stress. Consider how this can impact someone who is back on the job market through no fault of his or her own, or who's being forced to take on more than one job just to make ends meet. Your consistency in laying your hands on people and teaching patients about the benefits of chiropractic care is critical right now in boosting the body, mind and spirits of our nation ‑‑ and will have a positive impact on the economy.

It's easy to succumb to mediocrity when your stats are down and you're being bombarded with bad news about how "tough" the times are. Be prepared! Just remember, that your practice can and will thrive during these difficult times in direct proportion to your willingness to set and maintain high standards for yourself and your team.

Collect positive evidence of your influence in the lives of your patients and community. For example, Family Practice member, Dr. Tom Garcia, based in Colorado, recently donated hundreds of hours of his time to adjust firefighters who were battling the life‑threatening blazes in Durango. He didn't let the economy or a natural disaster steal his passion or commitment to his practice or profession. In fact, he set his standards even higher when he risked his life to go out on the frontlines and serve at a level the community crisis demanded.

There can be no doubt that the state of our nation is demanding that we all serve at a higher level, so get ready. Start taking the steps that will raise the bar at your practice and enable you and your patients to meet the requirements of present day society. Now is the time to reinvent yourself and your practice as you move out of mediocrity and excel even in the most challenging times.

Here's an exercise I use in our program that can get you started serving at a higher level. Take out a piece of paper and on the top left‑hand side, write a heading entitled "Energy Leaks" and on the other side write "Energy Enhancers." Then, draw a straight line down the middle of the paper. Start with the left side and fill in all the things in your life that are draining your energy and keeping you from serving at maximum capacity. You might list such things as: not exercising; over‑consumption of alcohol, sugar, or fat; watching too much TV; arguing with your spouse; over‑booking your social or work schedule... to name just a few.

Under the "Energy Enhancer" activities, fill it in with things like saving money, exercising, meditating, eating right, being on teletraining sessions, supporting your continued spiritual and practice growth through seminars, books, etc. or dates with your partner. Keep this list handy over the next 30 days. Begin crossing off the items on the Energy Leak side and start replacing them with those on the Energy Enhancer side, and before you know it, you will have raised your standards as you feel your energy and commitment grow.

When you have achieved balance on your sheet, you'll find that it takes only half the time and effort to reap twice the results from your activities. This is the by‑product of the high standards that you have set and reached for yourself.

(Dr. Eric Plasker is a licensed chiropractor and founder of The Family Practice chiropractic coaching and training organization, which provides all the systems, tools and support to build a highly successful and profitable family practice. An internationally known speaker and educator, he is best known for rallying the chiropractic profession around the LCfE (Lifetime Care For Everyone) and Family Practice visions. For a seminar schedule, coaching, training, or product information, call The Family Practice toll‑free at 866‑LEAD‑DCS (532‑3327), ext. 118. Or visit The Family Practice website at www.thefamilypractice.net)