Victory

The election has concluded, and with that, we can finally shift our focus back to what truly matters: the holiday season and planning for the year ahead. While the election’s outcome brings new leadership, most changes from a new administration will likely have a limited direct impact on our daily lives. Factors like the cost of essentials — fuel, food, housing — are largely beyond presidential control. What may change, however, are the tax policies, credits, and deductions affecting our finances, as well as critical national decisions like Supreme Court appointments, foreign alliances, and national security.

As we prepare for the government’s peaceful transition in the coming months, I’m confident that the process will be rigorous, with extensive planning, goal-setting, and budgeting underway. Around this time each year, I begin my own planning process, envisioning the year ahead: how our office should operate, the roles our network of providers will play, and our financial and professional goals. I start by prioritizing these elements, which then guides our actions throughout the year. Maintaining a clear focus on building a stronger 2025 is essential to achieving our goals.

To that end, my team and I have committed to dedicating three days for a training and planning session before year-end to streamline processes, set meaningful goals, craft cohesive messaging, brainstorm innovative ideas, and clearly define our purpose. These sessions will lay the foundation for a successful new year.

With over 25 years of experience in practice and business ownership, I have maintained a steady growth mindset, recalling only one year when we didn’t surpass most key metrics from the previous year. This success is grounded in several principles. First, constant attention to detail is essential; everything matters in business, and aside from patient care, safeguarding and elevating our brand is paramount. Second, we continuously enhance our patient delivery systems to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Lastly, we prioritize measurable outcomes — because if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Tracking key metrics allows us to monitor progress and strategically guide the practice forward.

My suggestion for the remainder of this year — whether you’re a business owner, employee, or head of household — is to start planning your agenda for 2025. Take time to consider what you want for yourself, your career, and your family. What do you want to improve, eliminate, build, or create? Anything is possible, but it begins with clear vision. Visualize it, write it down, and then commit to executing it. Also, take a look at your personal operating system. How do you approach things? Are you organized? Do you procrastinate? Is everything a nail and you are a hammer? How you do things oftentimes is the precursor for a successful outcome.

I’ll leave this for you to ponder before you start planning for 2025: Are you the type of person who, when presented with an idea or opportunity, first focuses on why it can’t be done? Or are you the type who immediately wonders what needs to be done to make it happen? How you answer this question could shape the way 2025 unfolds for you. Have a great week.