Sometimes when we’re starting up in practice, or when we hit a difficult period, it can seem overwhelming, and we don’t know where to start. So many tasks seem to be calling out for our attention, and all of them seem to be equally important. How do we decide what to do?

Sometimes when this happens to me, I find that I can’t do anything at all, or at least, nothing productive! I spend time doing things that are easy and comfortable (like emptying the dishwasher), or things that distract me (like reading a book), or things that are urgent but not important (like answering the phone). There’s nothing wrong with doing any of these things that we choose to do, however, they may not be the best choice at the time to bring me closer to what’s important for me.

In deciding where to start, there are two important questions:

1. What is most important to me? and
2. What is best next step to take me there?

I have placed them in that order because too often we can move towards an action step that we think needs doing, without checking out whether it’s what’s really called for. It’s not always easy to identify what is important to us. And as I’ve said before, if don’t get clear about our own priorities, we will find ourselves helping others towards theirs. Often, our sense of what’s important is informed by the views of others, family, friends, society and the media. An influential person with a strong point of view can easily persuade others to abandon their own position.

It’s worth taking the time to ask the question, “Is this how I want to spend this day, money, lifetime?” And I can’t tell you what the answer should be for you. You have to decide that one for yourself.

I’ve written many times about the survey report published by IACP in November 2013, in which nearly one in two therapists (out of 700 who responded) identified the recession, personal finance and getting clients as the most pressing problem they are facing. At the same time, the report concludes that while “many may clearly be struggling to develop and grow viable practices, most seem more interested in learning about developing areas of treatment rather than about how to market, develop or establish their practise.” This was supported by the findings of the IACP survey in 2015 which states Nearly 3 in 4 (72%) Counsellors/Psychotherapists feel that they don’t market themselves enough in their view. Most don’t seem keen on marketing at all.

Is the size of your practice important to you? Are you interested in providing a service to more clients? Is your income a matter of concern for you? If so, perhaps you need to change your focus. Perhaps you need to put activities that can grow your practice higher up your list of priorities.

This doesn’t mean that your clients would be any less well served. On the contrary, our growth and expansion of any kind will always serve our clients.

How do I know what’s the best next step? Sometimes that’s obvious, and sometimes not so. However, getting clearer about what’s important almost always helps us to get clear about the steps. Bear in mind that the next best step may not be one that’s on your list at all. Sometimes we’re trying to find a way out through the closed window, while there’s an open door behind us.

There’s also a balance that needs to be maintained here, between activities that help to support and stabilise us, and activities that challenge us. Sometimes when we face the challenge of trying something new, we get scared and anxious. So, it’s important when doing new things to ground ourselves in whatever way works for us. Like the guy in the picture, we need to know our hands are firmly placed, before we lift our feet off the ground. For me, that means knowing that certain things are in place. I like to know that I’m well prepared for new challenges, I like to take my time familiarising myself with new tasks. I like to do things with others, the company and shared experiences help me to handle the transition. And most of all, I like to be clear about why I’m doing what I’m doing. What helps you?

If you are facing the challenge of knowing where to start to grow or start your practice, perhaps you could use some help in identifying what’s important for you, and what’s the best next step. If so, I’d love to help you. Please leave your comment or question in the box below, or contact me here for your free 20 minute consultation.

 

 

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