February 2008

Limitless action

by Dr. Timothy Gay

If you have had the opportunity to watch the comedic antics of Larry the Cable Guy, you would realize the simple sentence and message is to "Git‑R‑Done."

The truth is, we all know this saying is true, but little changes in our offices because change is intimidating. Even though we have been told change is good and many of us know we need to change, there is something inside us that continues to hold us back. For each of us there is something different that keeps us from our achievements.

How many times have you heard your colleagues say, "We should do this or we should do that," but nothing ever comes to fruition? In conversation, the word "should" comes up as if it was the alternative to do. Does this mean that in many cases we "should"... all over ourselves?

Rather than put things into limitless action, we speak with no plan or blueprint to work from to create the reality. It all depends upon the attitude of those asked to lead. Whether they will or won't depends on their follow‑through and belief.

The only way change takes place is by you putting a signature on what you want and having some kind of consequence that will hold you on your Git‑R‑Done course. Lacking a consequence, there is no follow‑through, even when intentions are at an all time high.

For example, a prime target would be the procedures that you use in your office, such as patient documentation. We know the importance of what it represents, so the question is, when will the system be reviewed and changed to become more efficient? You can ask and answer that question in many of the systems that you have in your practice, in addition to the various phases throughout your life.

There are crutches we use that hold us back from making the decisions that will move us into limitless action mode. This tends to be a pattern, and it continues to be the way we conduct ourselves in the decision‑making process. We're inclined to hide behind low priority decisions, inventing things to do rather than face the high priority decisions that will move us into leadership roles, develop a higher level of practice, or do something so worthwhile it's literally life changing. How many times have you agonized over a decision, only to look back after it was made thinking how smart you were and how easy the decision was after the fact?

Even though Git‑R‑Done is supposed to be comedic, it should be posted in the inner sanctum of your office as a chant or an affirmation to remind you of what you have to do. Believe it or not, people are watching your performance and they have high expectations as to your ability to accomplish great things...or not. The limitless action that I talk about is the higher expectation of yourself, rather than those around you.

If you demand more of yourself as the leader in your office, that in itself will drive others around you to take limitless action steps toward what is in the best interest of the practice, a life goal, or whatever it is your team needs to be more proficient. To Git‑R‑Done means you have a work ethic. Whether you are right or wrong in your decision, you have at least made a decision to do something to move into massive action mode.

When patients tell you they are "going to think about it," it is only because they don't have enough information from you to make an informed decision. Perhaps you don't have enough information about what they want. Nevertheless, the end result is a failure to communicate. The same can be said about you and your actions regarding getting what you want first. Put the steps in motion toward limitless action and the idea of getting it done and then just make the decision.

Now, let's talk about the obvious, which would be your levels of participation in the greatest profession in the world. Where do you fit in right now? What is your level of involvement? Where do you see your team and your practice in the future? What are you key activities to make it happen? Figure out the why behind these questions and make this year, one of unlimited action to Git‑R‑Done, double your prosperity, and enjoy an abundant return.

(Timothy J. Gay, DC, a 1977 Palmer College graduate, is the founder and director of Ultimate Practice Systems, a chiropractic management and consulting company specializing in personalized chiropractic consulting [on the web at www.ultimatepractice.com]. A highly respected and nationally recognized speaker, he is the author of several books, as well as numerous CD and video products for the chiropractic profession. Dr. Gay holds seminars around the country on a variety of topics and may be reached by calling 1‑866‑797‑8366, or via e‑mail at timothygaydc@ultimatepractice.com .)