Back to Basics Do you struggle too? D o you feel that you’re all alone at times? Do you ponder if you’re the only chiroprac- tor who feels like he/she is swimming against the current – day-in and day-out? You’re not alone! I have the pleasure of connecting regularly with chiropractors from all over the world, hearing the details of their challenges and sharing in the excite- ment of their victories. I count it a wonderful blessing to be trusted to journey with them to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It’s all part of this amazing ride we call life! My intention in this article is to help you fully comprehend that you are not alone. There are universal struggles that can be conquered and you have the power to squash them once and for all. I’ve identified fi ve common global similarities that are true for chiropractors, across the expanse of our planet, from the busiest of metropolitan cities to the quietest of rural set- tings. Be of good cheer and know that you’re not alone. EDUCATIONAL VIRUS Challenge: The educational virus is linked to the mantra that chiropractors from all over the world chant, “My community doesn’t get it. They just don’t want to be well.” Solution: Get your communication adjusted! What don’t they get? In order for THEM to “get it” we, their chiropractor and health coach, must FIRST “get” them. I’M BROKE! Challenge: We choose to compartmentalize our chiropractic philosophy and life. Over- fi lling one area of life doesn’t necessarily mean that the surplus fl ows into the deficient area(s) that we would just as soon forget about. Solution:We are in balance when we’re paid well. We must set our fees and insist on be- ing paid our fees; after all, we offer the greatest gifts on the planet . . . love wrapped up in a chiropractic adjustment! EMOTIONAL CHAOS Challenge: Chiropractors judge their practice based on how they feel about this activity or that one; this marketing effect or that one, this outcome or that one. Business is a function of numbers and metrics and success, therein, rests in systems. Solution: Step up to the plate and accept that indeed you are a healer and that in | order to help others you must be a savvy business person. It’s not an option. Success is in the systems. In order for systems to be successful they must be: innovative, measureable, reproducible, and we must eliminate discretion. Dr. Barbara Sturm is the Head Coach and Dean of Achievement at Chirocollege.com. She and her team help chiropractors and their support staff,worldwide,to achieve their practice goals. THE GREAT GURU MELTING POT Challenge:The chiropractors who are everywhere and nowhere at the same time own a script or system from every coach, consultant, program, seminar, etc., that boasts being their saving grace – their “magic bullet” to fl oods of new patients, streams of money, and the fame they crave. Their business is a hodge-podge of mismatched parts. Solution: Get clear! Are you frustrated? Could it be because you’ve been borrowing from everyone else instead of fi rst focusing on what you want and then having a customized plan, fit perfectly to you, in order to have what you want? Business success demands a set, cohesive structure with systems that are formulated together so they work with ease and momentum. BUSY-NESS IS NOT BUSINESS Challenge: “I just want to be busy!” So the chiropractor fi lls his/her time with tasks that are minimally profi table at best. They’re successfully busy and are shackled with their busy-ness so they don’t have time to be successful. 20 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | JULY/ AUGUST 2008 Continued on Page 26 www.canadianchiropractor.ca Barbara Sturm, DC feature
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