Begin with the End in Mind

Dr. R. A. Foxworth, FICC, MCS-P

Whether you just completed your first trimester or your last, you have probably experienced that feeling of being a hamster on a wheel: class, quiz, study, sleep… over and over again. Throughout chiropractic school, and even in your career as a Doctor of Chiropractic, there will be times when you will get caught up in the daily grind and forget why you chose to become a chiropractor in the first place.

As a chiropractor and business owner for over 30 years, I too lose focus from time to time.  Billing, coding, compliance; all of these things are paramount to the success of my practice, but they also divert my attention from why I get up and go to work each day. Several years ago I read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, and it helped me get and stay focused.

No matter where you are on your journey to becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic, I want you to think about where you would like your life and career to be 3-5 years from today. Write down your goals. Focus on how you want to be perceived by your family, friends, and patients. What kind of person do you want to be? Consider the things in your life that are important to you. Do your goals align with your values?

After you have written your list, place it next to your bed. Read it every morning before you start your day and every evening before you fall asleep. This exercise will keep you focused on your goals for the future and motivate you through the tough times of chiropractic school and beyond.

I had my team do this exercise several years ago. One young lady still has the original sheet of paper next to her bed and a photo of it on her phone for when she travels. It has been three years since she completed this exercise, and she accomplished most of the goals on her list. She bought a brand new car, purchased her own home, and more. When she began, some of her goals felt unattainable, but she read the list every morning and every evening. She stayed focused, and now we are talking about her next goal list. Her 3-5-year list is almost complete (2 years early) and she is ready to focus on the next chapter.

When you begin with the end in mind, the impossible becomes possible by breaking it down into bite-sized chunks. Each time you get closer to achieving your goal, celebrate the journey and the accomplishment. Chiropractic school will be over before you know it, and that list of goals next to your bed will turn into the list of your accomplishments.

Dr. Ray Foxworth is the founder and President of ChiroHealthUSA. Since it’s inception in 2007, ChiroHealthUSA has donated over $750,000 to help support state associations, COCSA, F4CP and the CCGPP. The Foxworth Family Scholarship is funded by ChiroHealthUSA and will be awarding one student a $10,000.00 scholarship in August 2016. The winning student’s school will also receive a donation of $10,000.00. For more information on how to apply, go to www.chusascholar.com.