It's time for spring planting

Spring. It's finally here. The daffodils are blooming. The hyacinths are up. The dogs come in almost every day with muddy paws, so I have semi-permanent footprints on the window sills where they peer out to see who's coming. And we added three or four more trees to our developing orchard. We've also got two loads of mulch on the way and days of weeding and mulching in our future.

Of course, it's never a bad time to plant a new idea or try a new approach. But I'm actually opening packages from nurseries right now, so I'm thinking about cycles of growth. And to me, spring always seems like a perfect time for new beginnings.

Still, deciding to do something differently or tackle a new project isn't enough. Just like tending a garden, it takes tenacity to reap a harvest.

But in the spring, you prepare for the growth. And growth is a good thing, whether you decide to focus on cherries or practice income or team members' skills. But it's not always easy.

In the yard, you prepare the soil, choose the best timing—and hope for decent weather. After all, it certainly helps if you don't get a late freeze and do get plenty of rain.

At work, the prep is no less demanding. If you're looking to grow your role in the practice or your production or your income, you likely need to focus on improving your skills. You may need training on a new medical technique or more focus on how to present your recommendations to clients to make it to the top of the hill you've set your sights on.

If you're an owner and you want to grow your business, you may need to invest in more or stronger team members, additional training, or new equipment to reap new rewards. Or you may need to address problems that are holding you back today, distracting your team and draining your energy. (See "Conflict" if unresolved disagreements with your colleagues in practice is on your list of problems.) With those barriers out of the way, you can jump in with more focus and enthusiasm.

With the seeds planted, you'll have to defend your garden from the weeds and pests. You know, stuff like resistance to change, other demands on your time, dissatisfied team members who drain your team's energy. But you know better than anyone what challenges you face. So you're the best person to decide what you'll do about them.

If you're lucky, you'll see your seeds growing. This always helps me stay motivated—the leaves budding out and the thought of a great harvest.

Now, I do understand that growth comes with pain. I've been there. But I have confidence that you'll find a way to achieve your goals. All that ground work will pay off. And you'll get excited about what you've achieved. Which will give you the confidence to tackle the next challenge in your career or in your practice.

I've got a shovel if you need one. What seeds are you planting this season?

Marnette Denell Falley

Marnette Denell Falley, Editor

ve@advanstar.com