Make Time: A Practical Guide for Osteopaths to Beat Distraction, Build Energy and Focus on What Matters

Lesson 1: Highlight

Discover what truly matters to you and make it the highlight of your day. This is the singular accomplishment that will make a significant difference to your patients and practice.

By devoting yourself entirely to one task, you’ll reap better results and experience greater job satisfaction.

Take a moment to ask yourself: What one thing can I do today to stand out in my practice, move my practice forward and make a lasting impact?

Remember, Time is the raw material of productivity, but how we use it is just as important as how much we have.

Lesson 2: Laser

Refine your focus and take control of your technology use. Ask patients to turn off or mute their phones during patient appointments, designate specific times to check your emails or social media and create an environment that minimises distractions.

By both you and your patient being more present during their appointment, you can establish deeper connections with your patients, resulting in a more positive patient experience.

Ask yourself: What habits and actions can I change to make technology work for me, not against me?

Lesson 3: Recharge

Give yourself permission to recharge your batteries. Taking care of your own health and well-being can help you to be more productive and creative. Take time for regular self-care, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing meditation, or simply taking a few deep breaths. By recharging your own batteries, you can bring more energy and focus to your work, resulting in better patient care.

Ask yourself: What do I need to do to recharge my batteries today?

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.

Lesson 4: Reflect

Don’t settle for mediocrity. Reflect on your practice and challenge yourself to constantly improve.

Seek out feedback from your patients and colleagues and use it to fuel your growth. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. Remember, your commitment to excellence is what sets you apart.

Ask yourself: How can I reflect on my practice today and take it to the next level tomorrow?

Summary

To wrap up, by implementing the core lessons of Highlight, Laser, Recharge and Reflect, you can improve your productivity, creativity and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling life and career as an osteopath. Prioritising your time, energy and attention towards things that truly matter in your practice and personal life is essential to achieving your goals and leading a fulfilling life.

If you’re looking to organise your time, I’d recommend reading Make Time in full.