Welcome to a special December edition of the Podiatry Legends Podcast. This episode kicks off a 4-part solo series designed to help you reset, refocus, and realign before the new year begins.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or like your business is “treading water,” this one’s for you. Today, I’m talking about plateaus, those frustrating flat periods in business when growth stalls and energy dips.
You’re not failing, but you’re also not moving forward. So what do you do when it feels like you’ve hit the wall? That’s exactly what I’ll be unpacking in this episode.
What Is a Plateau, and Why Does It Feel So Demoralising?
Every podiatrist and business owner hits a plateau at some point. Your revenue stalls, your team is steady but not progressing, and your personal drive feels like it’s faded. But here’s the truth: plateaus are not failures; they’re part of every growth cycle.
Just like hiking up a mountain, flat patches are natural. They give you time to stabilise, breathe, and prepare for the next incline. At my Podiatry Business Reboot workshops, I talk about “punctuated equilibrium”, those flat spots that simply need the right spark to shift momentum. That spark might be a podcast, an event, a workshop, or even a conversation with a mentor.
Growth Isn’t Always Visible
One of the biggest mindset shifts you can make is understanding that growth often happens beneath the surface. Like bamboo, where nothing seems to happen for months, then it explodes with growth overnight.
In your clinic, you might be:
- Laying new systems
- Training your team to reduce reliance on you
- Strengthening your brand
- Building better patient experiences
None of that shows up in a flashy revenue report, but it’s progress. So be patient. Believe in the process. The lag between input and growth is real.
Use the Plateau for a Strategic Reset
Instead of panicking or overhauling everything, use this flat spot to review, refine, and refocus.
- Review What’s Working: Check your numbers, retention, ROI on marketing, and staff performance.
- Declutter Your Business: Let go of outdated services, weak referral channels, or marketing noise.
- Reconnect with Your Purpose: Are you still working with your ideal patients? Is your clinic aligned with the life you want?
I’m doing this in my own business right now; it’s powerful when you realign your day-to-day work with your original goals.
Don’t Blow It All Up
When growth stalls, it’s tempting to “blow it up”; new branding, new systems, big hires or firings. But reactionary change rarely leads to clarity.
Instead, focus on small, high-impact improvements:
- Tweak your pricing structure
- Improve your new patient experience
- Launch a reactivation campaign
Keep the foundation, refresh the layers.
The Three Types of Plateaus
I see three main types of plateaus in podiatry:
- Revenue Plateau – Consistent earnings but no growth. Look at pricing, upsells, and systems.
- Motivation Plateau – You’re mentally flat. Mix things up with workshops, side projects, or new routines.
- Team Plateau – Stable but stagnant teams. Invest in training, leadership pathways, or fresh input from staff.
Each requires a different strategy—but the key is knowing which one you’re in.
Final Thoughts
A plateau isn’t the end; it’s a pause before your next breakthrough.
So when growth stalls, don’t panic. Ask:
- What’s this trying to teach me?
- What needs to shift, even subtly?
- How can I come out of this more focused and energised?
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another podiatrist or reach out to me directly at tyson@podiatrylegends.com.
Next week, I’m talking about Reigniting Your Why; how to reconnect with your purpose before you plan for 2026.
If you’re looking for a speaker for an upcoming event or a facilitator to run a pre-conference workshop, please visit my Speaker Page to see the range of topics I cover.
Looking for Business Guidance?
A podiatrist I spoke with in early 2024 earned an additional $40,000 by following my advice from a 30-minute free Zoom call. This was probably the best 30-minute investment of their lives. Think about it: you have everything to gain and nothing to lose, and it’s not a TRAP. I’m not out to get you; I’m here to help you.
Please use the link below to schedule a free 30-minute Zoom call.
After we talk, you will have much more clarity about what is best for you, your business, and your career. ONLINE CALENDAR
Business Coaching & Mentoring
I offer three simple coaching options:
- Monthly Coaching Sessions (one or two calls per month).
- Hourly Sessions – Book them as needed.
- On-Site Team Training and Creativity Days (Full-Day Events) – Your team will love it.
But let’s have a chat first to see what best suits you. ONLINE CALENDAR
Facebook Group: Podiatry Business Owners Club
My Books: