Managing a chiropractic practice requires a diverse skill set well beyond medical expertise.
Indeed, managing a chiropractic practice includes staff management, such as hiring, training, scheduling and performance management; patient treatment protocols, including clinical care, patient education and record-keeping; supervising of medical billing and collection departments; marketing and advertising; and the practice’s financial budgeting and income generation. Just reading this list can make a DC panicky and restless. Now, add to that life’s daily challenges and one may very well feel overwhelmed and apprehensive and just want to give up.
Over the last decade, scientists discovered that the shape of our thoughts directly impacts the color of our emotions, the tone of our speech and even the efficacy of our actions. Indeed, certain thoughts will lead us to dark and destructive pathways, while others will inspire us in pursuit of a higher purpose.
Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows and moments of triumph and challenge. At times, it may seem like the odds are stacked against us, but how we respond to adversity can define our path forward. Whether you’re facing personal setbacks, professional challenges or struggling with negativity, you can take steps to turn your life around, build resilience and cultivate a positive outlook so you can enjoy practicing as a healthcare professional. Irrespective of who we are, negativity can creep into our lives through various channels, such as criticism from others, self-doubt or unforeseen circumstances. However, how we internalize and respond to negativity is within our control. Embracing positivity in the face of negativity is critical to your well-being.
This article explores some recommendations that will allow you to focus your energy on better healthcare protocols, thus helping your patients enjoy improved outcomes.
Mindful awareness: Start by becoming aware of negative thought patterns. Recognize when you’re being overly critical of yourself or when external negativity is affecting your mood. Remember, your staff and patients perceive when you are in a negative, adversarial or pessimistic mood. Hence, it is critical to consider mindfulness techniques such as meditation or simply taking a moment to pause and reflect to help you break these patterns.
Gratitude practice: Another popular and effective way to overcome and dispel negativity is to cultivate a habit of gratitude. Take time each day to appreciate the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small. This practice can shift your focus away from negativity and toward a more optimistic mindset, which will reflect positively on your staff and your patients. Commit to always “add more light and positivity” to every situation, no matter how dark the situation may appear on the surface.
Positive affirmations: Use affirmations to reframe negative thoughts as positive ones. For example, replace “I can’t do this” with “I am capable and resilient.” Affirmations help build self-confidence and resilience over time. Think also of utilizing this technique to teach your patients how to understand their pain and lead healthier lives. They will be positively affected by your expression of positivity bias, which in turn will affect their treatment outcome.
How to overcome life’s challenges
Life’s challenges are inevitable, but they don’t have to define us. Here’s how you can navigate them effectively: Here’s how you can navigate them effectively:
Build resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Develop resilience by viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as setbacks. Learn from each experience and adapt accordingly. In the quest to uncover and unleash the divine power within you, you can choose to fixate on the darkness that surrounds you or on the inherent light within.
It is worthwhile to note that Viktor Emil Frankle, MD, a well-known Austrian neurologist and philosopher, wrote a book titled Man’s Search for Meaning, which was translated into 28 languages. With his desire to find meaning in life and free will, Frankl developed Logotherapy, a unique way and philosophy of the practice of psychology on health and healing. He concluded: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: The last of human freedom-to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way…”
Hence, challenges and problems we face can be revealed as potential opportunities for growth, enemies can be understood as teachers and setbacks can be seen for what they really are: springboards to the next level.
Seek support: Irrespective of your professional qualifications and expertise as a DC, don’t hesitate to lean on your support network, including friends, family or mentors, during tough times. Sharing your challenges with others can provide emotional support and add new perspectives.
Final thoughts
For managing a chiropractic practice, a DC must possess not only medical expertise but also strong leadership, communication and organizational skills. Collaboration with administrative staff and maintaining a patient-centered approach and cultivating a positive attitude are crucial for ensuring your practice runs smoothly, efficiently and successfully.
DANIEL H. DAHAN, DC, recognized as the U.S.’s leading expert authority on medical integration, is the senior consultant for Consultants of America, which manages more than 1,250 offices in 45 states. He is also the author of The Ultimate You: 365 Ways You Can Improve Your Life and has 52,000 daily listeners on his free “Daily Wisdom” podcasts. Learn more at dahan.com or email drdahan@consultantsamerica.com.