Most podiatrists I speak to don’t have a motivation problem. They have a space problem.
They’re busy, and there’s no shortage of patients. The diary looks fantastic, but somewhere underneath all that activity is a quiet tension that’s hard to name. A sense that things are running, but not quite right.
The mistake many podiatrists make is thinking the answer is more effort and more hours.
In reality, the clarity they’re looking for rarely appears inside the clinic at all. It shows up when they step away from the clinic and step into a fresh, more relaxed environment.
Productivity Isn’t About Doing More
Some of the best business decisions I’ve ever made happened when I wasn’t actively trying to “solve” anything. They happened on holidays, while travelling, sitting in cafés, or simply being removed from the environment that usually demands constant attention.
Side Note: When I travel, the first thing I put in my backpack is my Brain Book (note pad) because I know ideas will flow when I’m in a relaxed state of mind.
When you’re inside your podiatry business every day, everything feels urgent. Pricing decisions feel emotional, and simple staffing issues feel heavier than they need to be.
Creating distance changes that.
When you step away, your thinking slows down. You stop reacting and start reflecting. That’s not laziness, it’s the first step of strategic thinking.
Why Does It Still Feel Hard?
Here’s the tricky part. Many podiatrists feel guilty stepping away because, on paper, things are “fine”. The podiatry business is busy, revenue is coming in, and your team and patients are happy.
But busy doesn’t equal sustainable or even rewarding.
If your clinic relies on you being there all the time, saying yes to everything, and carrying the emotional weight of every decision, it will eventually cost you energy, enjoyment, and clarity.
That’s when resentment creeps in. Not towards patients, but towards the business itself. You start saying silly things like, “You know what, I’d be much happier if I just sold everything and worked for someone else”.
That can be a dangerous comment if you let it grow.
Stepping Back Creates Better Questions
When podiatrists finally give themselves space, the questions change:
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Do I actually enjoy how I’m working at the moment (hours, etc)?
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Is this podiatry business supporting my life, or consuming it?
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Am I charging in a way that supports the lifestyle I want to lead?
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What would need to change for me to love my podiatry business again?
- What would a perfect day or week at work look like?
These aren’t questions you answer between patients. These questions need time to think through and consider various options.
This Is Where Coaching Helps
Good coaching isn’t about being told what to do. It’s about creating thinking space, structure, and perspective when you’re too close to see things clearly.
That’s why many podiatrists reach out not when things are failing, but when they sense they’re capable of something better and want help figuring out what that looks like.
If you’d like to talk through your clinic, workload, pricing, or direction, you’re welcome to reach out. No pressure, just a conversation to help you think more clearly about what comes next.
Below is a link to my online calendar, where you can schedule a free 30-minute Zoom call with me to discuss any aspect of podiatry.
If you enjoyed this article, I’d suggest listening to the Podiatry Legends Podcast, Episode 403: Life Decisions Made at the Beach Bar with Alan & Sharon Cawthorne, where we talk about perspective, decision-making, and why clarity often arrives when you step away from the clinic.
If you haven’t got at least one holiday planned this year, to get away from your podiatry business, you need to start thinking about it immediately.
But if you’re still not sure about scheduling a time to talk with me, that’s okay. Keep browsing my website, and if you have any questions, please email me at tf@tysonfranklin.com
You may even want to buy my book: It’s No Secret…There’s Money in Podiatry. ORDER HERE