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