I mentioned this term on a podcast recently. I want you to visualise it, memorise it, tattoo it on the inside of your eyelids if necessary. ‘Self­-operating practice’… It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

I’ve always thought about my business in this way. Dig out a copy of The E-Myth by Michael Gerber and refresh yourself with his thinking. If they were quizzed on it, most practice owner’s goal is NOT growth at all costs. When pressed on it, there are things they are willing to do and not willing to do when it comes to their business. But most lose sight of this and are usually confused about it and they usually end up doing lots of things that weren’t in the original plan.

Regularly ask yourself – What do you enjoy doing in your practice? What do you want to do more of? What do you want to do less of? What fascinates you? What energises you?

Gerber accurately states that you need to have a plan for your life, before you have a plan for your business. And your business plan must serve and be aligned with what you want for your life. The majority of practice owners miss this entirely and get busy doing, doing, doing without any strategy for achieving the grander plan for their life. When you operate this way you sacrifice a lot. When you allow your business to run you into the ground your family suffers, your relationships suffer, your health suffers, your dreams suffer.

Nobody has ever written in their business plan: “I am going to create a wonderful practice that makes my life a misery. I want to do it all myself. I want the whole operation entirely dependent on ME. When I am not there things will crumble and fall apart. I will work long hours to keep our heads above water. I want my staff to check every little thing with me. I will see every single client myself. I don’t need holidays. I don’t even need much money because I have no time to spend any. I’ll work for free and welcome time wasters with open arms. I want to be chained to my practice.” No one sets out with that vision. But many end up there.

Consider the alternative. A self-operating practice. With you at the top. Organising. Directing. Leading. The self-operating practice gives you the freedom to have a life. To work the hours and days you want to work. To easily decrease your workload while the practice grows. Use the leverage of a world-class team, brilliant processes, and strong leadership to make more money than you ever could by just working harder. Keep this in mind at all times this year. Work smarter, not harder.