Mid-Year Planning

As we move past the midpoint of the year, it's time to start planning for 2025. Patients are already scheduling their 3, 4, and 6-month recare appointments, which means we're already looking ahead.

How do you plan for the year ahead?

Key Considerations:

1. Time Off and Personal Goals:

   • Do you know what weeks you are taking off?
   • What continuing education (CE) courses are you planning to take? Consider the costs of these courses, including travel, accommodation, and the financial implications of closing the office.
   • Do you pay your employees when the office is closed? How does this affect cash flow?
   • Are there personal commitments, such as family vacations or significant events, that you need to schedule?
   
   

2. Professional Development and Team Training:

   • Are you planning to buy and implement new equipment?
   • Is there team training you want to schedule, or is there travel required for team CE?

Planning Process:

To manage these considerations effectively, I follow a structured process:

1. List Goals and Priorities:

   • Start by listing everything you want to achieve next year, including CE courses, equipment purchases, and personal commitments. Writing these down helps to visualize the year ahead.
   
   

2. Identify Non-Negotiables:

   • Create a list of non-negotiable commitments, both professional and personal, such as academy meetings, family vacations, or other significant events.
   
   

3. Visualize with a Calendar:

   • Use a large, laminated calendar for a clear visual layout of the year. Blocking off non-negotiable dates first ensures you have a comprehensive view of your schedule.
   
   

4. Calculate Working Days and Financial Goals:

   • Count your remaining working days to make sure you can meet your financial goals. Adjust as needed to ensure steady production throughout the year. If you're a solo practitioner, meticulous planning is crucial, but even with associates, having a clear plan is beneficial.
   
   

5. Build in Flexibility:

   • Make sure you have a cushion for additional time off if needed. Plan to open additional days if necessary to compensate for unexpected closures.
   
   

6. Plan for Implementation and Training:

   • Reserve regular time slots (e.g., 4 hours every 4 weeks) for team meetings focused on training, organization, and system improvements to enhance patient care and customer experience.

Solidify the Plan:

Once you've determined your schedule and financial plan, it's essential to communicate this clearly with your team. Have a meeting to review the calendar and emphasize the importance of adhering to the schedule. Personal matters will arise, but maintaining a healthy practice requires teamwork and commitment to the agreed plan. Display the laminated calendar in the break room as a constant reminder of the practice's goals and commitments.

Conclusion:

Planning ahead gives me the confidence and assurance that I can design my work and personal life as I desire while still ensuring flexibility. I encourage you to map out your dream goals and career achievements, create a detailed calendar, and work backward to achieve them.