Every December, many of us set new goals: earn more, grow the business, and find a better team. But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Goals don’t fix broken systems. Problems do.
If you’ve ever set a goal like “I want to make more money” and then struggled to hit it, the problem may not be the goal itself; it’s that you never identified what’s getting in the way.
One Problem, One Plan
Let’s say your revenue has plateaued. Most podiatrists would react with a goal: “I want to increase revenue by 20%.”
But that’s direction without focus.
Now let’s flip it.
Instead, ask: “Why isn’t my business revenue growing as it should?”
You run the numbers and discover that your clinic’s per-patient value (PPV) is too low: only $100 per patient.
Now you’re solving a problem
That leads to focused action:
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Review your service offering
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Train your team to explain high-value treatments
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Introduce upsells that genuinely benefit the patient
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Build a system that supports higher-value bookings
Now that 20% growth isn’t a dream, it’s a byproduct of solving the real underlying problem: a low PPV.
Shift from Goals to Systems
Here’s the framework I recommend:
1. What’s the friction point? (Not just what’s annoying; what’s blocking progress.)
2. What would change if it were solved?
3. What’s one action you can take this week to begin?
This isn’t about throwing out your goals; it’s about making them achievable by solving what’s in the way.
Are You Looping?
If you’ve been setting the same goals every year but not moving forward, you’re likely stuck in a cycle. Problem-first planning breaks the loop.
Start small. Solve one thing. Then stack your wins.
If this concept resonates with you, I dive much deeper into it in Episode 399 of the Podiatry Legends Podcast:
Don’t Just Set Goals, Solve Problems: A Better Way to Plan for 2026”
One-on-One Business Coaching that works
If you want help solving your business problems and creating systems that make your business more profitable, I offer free 30-minute coaching calls; no pressure, just some guidance.
If you like what I say, and if we like each other, we can even work together long-term.
Below is a link to my online calendar.
You can schedule a free 30-minute Zoom call with me to discuss any aspect of podiatry. You may have business questions or need career advice; regardless, I’m here to help where I can.
But if you’re still not sure about scheduling a time to talk with me, that’s okay. Keep browsing my website, take a look at my coaching page, and if you have any questions, please email me at tf@tysonfranklin.com