In this final episode of the December solo series, I’m sharing a powerful alternative to traditional goal-setting; one that challenges podiatrists to stop chasing vague outcomes and instead focus on solving the right problems.
While most podiatrists enter the new year with well-intentioned goals, “I want to grow my podiatry clinic,” “I want to make more money,” “I want a better team”, these goals are often too vague and disconnected from the real issues beneath the surface.
The result? By February, the goals are forgotten, and nothing has truly changed.
Why Solving Problems Beats Setting Goals
The most successful podiatry business owners don’t just set more aggressive targets; they identify their 1 or 2 biggest bottlenecks each year and focus on solving them.
A goal gives you direction, but a problem gives you focus. When you shift from asking “What do I want?” to “What’s holding me back?” your actions become targeted, measurable, and sustainable.
Real Podiatry Examples
Instead of “I want to grow by 20%,” ask: “Why aren’t patients coming back?”
From there, focus on:
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Patient education
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Booking flow
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Follow-up systems
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Nurturing leads in the “thinking about it” stage
It’s not about doing more stuff; it’s about removing the friction that’s slowing you down.
Common Podiatry Business Problems
Here are five common challenges disguised as goals:
1. Weak patient retention: Fix your systems, not just your marketing.
2. Busy but not profitable: Focus on pricing and improving per-patient value.
3. Team issues: Often a training or systems problem, not a people problem.
4. Burnout: Solve your weekly structure before booking a holiday.
5. Random marketing: Define your message, know your ideal patient, and plan strategically.
Each of these is solvable if you identify it clearly and act intentionally.
Use the 3-Question Planning Framework
1. What’s the most significant friction point in your business right now?
2. If solved, what would that unlock for your clinic?
3. What’s one strategic action you can take next?
Start there, then layer in your goals. Don’t just build momentum… build momentum in the right direction.
Don’t Forget Mental Blocks
Not every obstacle is operational. You may need to solve personal challenges too, such as:
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Fear of letting go of certain patient types
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Resistance to delegation
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Impostor syndrome around marketing yourself
These mental habits often significantly impact your results, and addressing them can free you to lead more confidently.
Stop setting surface-level goals and start solving high-impact problems. Your 2026 results will thank you for it.
Here’s my Challenge
Ask yourself what you’ve been tolerating too long, and make that your starting point for change.
If you’re only reading the show notes, you need to listen to the full episode to understand this concept fully.
No one wants a business coach; however, if you are looking, let’s talk.
A business owner I spoke with in early 2024 made an extra $40,000 by following my advice from a 30-minute FREE Zoom call. They were so happy that they bought me a $400 bottle of bourbon. That’s a win-win for both of us.
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