12 Things You Should STOP Doing in 2015

I’m always trying to improve as a person and leader of a business. I believe it helps my business and relationships. I’ve never thought too much of new year resolutions but I have to admit it’s a good time to initiate improvements.

Here are some things I am going to STOP in 2015. And I hope it might help you, too.

1) Complaining

Stop haphazardly saying “I’m hungry… I’m tired… I have a headache…” It doesn’t help your hunger, tiredness, or headache. Just makes it worse. But even more, it infects others around you. Be a light. Don’t complain in 2015.

2) Being “Needy”

Stop saying “I need ______.” Instead replace it with I WANT.  For example, instead of saying,

• “I need you to create a better collection procedure.”  Say instead, “I want you to reduce our aged claims and AR to 15% within the next 4 months.”  
• Instead of saying, “I need to go marketing.” Say, “I want to increase my cash client volume and revenue to 20% within the next 4-months.”

Change your words and discover better results in 2015.

3) Blaming the economy, government, Obama, Medicare, and Insurances

Many are thriving despite the economy and low reimbursement. The ones suffering are the ones acting and thinking like a victim. Take control of your business. Start defining your destiny. Take control in 2015.

4) Trying to do too much at one time

Studies show that we (PT/OT’s) have a tendency to try and do too much, but we fail in execution. Putting too much on our plate can get us overwhelmed and make us freeze.  Stop trying to do too much, focus on the most important items, learn to say no, and start executing in 2015.

5) Quitting so easily

Most results come after the sixth try. Too many quit prematurely and miss out on the benefits shortly at hand. Keep trying, follow-through, and don’t quit so easily in 2015.

6) Trying to do it all yourself

Let others try. Give them a chance. They may do it better. Start delegating more in 2015.

7) Equating money with security and happiness.

This is more harmful than you might think. It can lead to fear. It can result in taking less risks, playing it safe, being less bold. In business, this will kill you. Taking risks is a demonstration of your faith. It’s a proclamation of your belief in yourself. Seek more adventure and take risks in 2015.

8) Trying to please everyone

In the end, you please no one. Know your limitations. Don’t be afraid to say, “Not right now.” or “Maybe later.” Take a stance. Have an opinion and be loved. You must be hated in order to be loved. In business theres no other way to be successful. Its better to be loved by few than tolerated by many. Jesus only had 12 disciples who loved him and they changed the world. Be loved in 2015.

9) Blaming your staff

There is no mistake an employee can make that will cost your organization more than the mistakes you make (as the captain). Stop jumping down throats. Start training. You have no right to blame if you don’t train. Start training your staff in 2015.

10) Blaming your parents

This includes your upbringing as well. Some of the most successful people in our history have been abused, neglected, and criticized as children. Their horrid pasts do not define them, and they certainly don’t justify their failures by them. Recondition your thinking in 2015. Be successful despite your past.

11) Being negative

There might be a lot wrong in the world, in your business, in your life…but there’s still a lot RIGHT going on. Focus on the right things before walking into your future. Be a positive thinker. This is a sign of a leader. Be a positive example to those around you in 2015.

12) Being so serious

No one likes a prude. Be less like rock and more like WATER. Let things roll off you. Flow around obstacles. Laugh more and don’t take yourself so seriously. Remember this all won’t matter in the grand scheme of things when you are retired. Enjoy the journey and be a better leader (and less judgmental) in 2015.

You have the control to make this your best year ever. It’s up to you. Make some changes for the better in 2015. Good luck and hope to see you in the next Private Practice Secrets conference!

Which one of the 12 above will you have the most difficulty stopping, and why?
Share in comments below.