and determination on that road that will give you the rewards you want most? The choice is yours. That choice begins with the raw truth that 85 percent of success, as entrepre- neurs, is based on business acumen; only 15 percent is based on one’s skill as a chi- ropractor. Therefore, chiropractors who harmoniously blend their passion for chiropractic with strong business hab- its and strategies will rock it in practice. We are in the relationship business, and the economy of 2008 is favouring those businesses that focus on developing and nurturing strong relationships within their communities and practices. And, in order to enjoy our desired rewards, we must take consistent and focused action. NOT A SOLITARy jOURNEy Just as one cannot build a strong business on what one is “going to do”; one cannot spend money they haven’t made yet, and live life on credit, or spend health we do not have. This mentality calls to mind the allo- pathic approach of erroneously convincing patients to think that there will always be a “cure” for them. In the medical world, if people want to live a life of poor choices – more drugs, etc – that’s OK. The sad truth is that, at some point in time, no amount or strength of drug can turn their health ELIMINATE BACK pAIN AND GET IN SHApE It’s no secret that back pain is a common symptom you see in patients, and that back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work and the second most common reason for doctor visits. In fact, it is estimated that 80 per cent of people will experi- ence back pain at some time in their life. But you can help your patients with a combination of chiropractic care, custom-made postural support, and an exercise plan. Foot Levelers’ Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers can help your patients maintain a healthy spine. Stabilizers are the only custom-made or- thotics designed to support all three arches of the foot. By balanc- ing the arches of the foot, Stabilizers align the ankles, knees, and pelvis to provide a balanced foundation. Stabilizers also help your chiropractic adjustments hold longer, providing your patients with more long-term relief! You can also provide your patients with dietary, nutritional, and lifestyle counseling. One of the best things you can do to help your patients prevent and/or eliminate back pain is to recommend a regular exercise program specific to their needs. Exercise benefits your patients in so many ways, such as lowering blood pressure, helping maintain a healthy weight, lowering the risk for diabetes, and the list goes on! 28 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | FEBRUARY 2009 around. It’s too late. They’ve out-spent the small deposits they made into their health account, choosing the next best drug in- stead of a lifestyle of health and well-being. One day, they find their health is gone. For our patients, on the other hand, consistent chiropractic adjustments, the relationship with their chiropractor, and the unmatched support and value re- ceived from their DC is mandatory for a fully maximized life – versus living life on “credit”. We all know that those patients who focus on their chief complaint, and only the resolution of it, are missing out on many of life’s sweetest rewards. Like it or not, as chiropractors, we often have chief complaints too. I have heard lots of these ranging from: “not enough new patients” to “my town stinks”; from “my patients don’t value their health” to “the insurance com- panies don’t reimburse”; or “I don’t have enough money” to “my staff is lazy.” Yes, I’ve heard them all and every one of them requires consistent adjustments for well- ness to prevail, just like the health of our patients. Success comes from within, and commands consistent and supported action. It is not a solitary journey. IT’S TIME TO fOCUS fORWARD So, doctors, what was your chief com- plaint throughout 2008? If you’ve bus- ied yourself searching for the “magic bullet” or next best thing to rid yourself of your chief complaint – you’re just like the patients you attract, who you rant and complain about. They want immedi- ate results and complain when it doesn’t happen now. Just like human health, business health follows the same prin- ciples. Health comes from within. It’s a journey not a destination and the quicker we adopt healthy habits and commit to them for a lifetime, the faster we’ll enjoy a life of ease, abundance, and fulfillment of our optimum potential. How about it? Is it time to focus forward and learn the lessons viewed through your rear view mirror? Have you moved beyond just the chatter and thought of creating and living better in 2009 to focused action? What is your plan? Who will be your support and guide? Will you continue to choose to do it alone? How successful would your patients be if they chose to follow in your footsteps? This is not a dress rehearsal and the rewards - they’re endless!! Insist upon your very best and watch how your patients follow suit. Rip down your rear view mirror. Learn the lessons, and take action for a wildly explosive, fulfilling, and victorious 2009! We’re in this game called life and we’re in it to win it! 2009 is going to be f-i-n-e ….let’s rock it forward!!! • For more information about Foot Levelers or any of our prod- ucts, please call us at 1-800-553-4860 (USA), 1-800-344-4860 (CAN), or visit us online at FootLevelers.com. Foot Levelers, Inc. is the world’s exclusive provider of custom- made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers and other therapeutic products that have served the health-care profession for more than 55 years. Foot Levelers’ products have helped millions of people enjoy fuller and happier lives at work, home, or at play. www.canadianchiropractor.ca industry news