I am Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits.
—
Every ambitious physiatrist has faced it—the nagging doubt, the paralyzing procrastination, the inner critic whispering, “You’re not ready for this.” It’s called self-sabotage, and it might be the only thing standing between you and the thriving, independent practice you’ve dreamed of.
Building a profitable physiatry practice is no small feat. The path is riddled with challenges, but the most significant obstacles are often self-imposed. Let’s explore how self-sabotage works, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to break free using proven strategies tailored to your journey as a practice owner.
Prioritize Self-Care: The Foundation of Your Success
You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re running on fumes—mentally, emotionally, or physically—it’s no wonder self-doubt creeps in. Neglecting your well-being leaves you vulnerable to burnout and poor decision-making, making self-sabotage even more likely.
Your First Step:
• Commit to daily self-care rituals, whether it’s a brisk morning walk, a balanced diet, or simply carving out time to rest.
• Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Aim for 7-8 hours each night to stay sharp and focused.
Taking care of yourself isn’t just an act of kindness; it’s a business strategy. A healthy mind and body allow you to make clear, confident decisions that drive your practice forward.
Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Rewrite Your Narrative
Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I’m just not good at business,” or, “What if my practice fails?” These limiting beliefs are the silent saboteurs keeping you in the comfort zone of the familiar, even if it means staying stuck.
Your Power Move:
• Reflect on past successes where you stepped out of your comfort zone and thrived.
• Replace self-defeating thoughts with empowering affirmations like, “I am learning the business of medicine and improving every day.”
Your mindset determines your trajectory. When you challenge the beliefs that no longer serve you, you open the door to unprecedented growth.
Recognize and Reflect on Patterns
Self-sabotage isn’t random; it’s a pattern. Do you procrastinate on tasks like budgeting or hiring? Do you second-guess your marketing decisions because of fear of judgment? Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking them.
Your Tactical Advantage:
• Journal your thoughts and actions to uncover recurring behaviors.
• Break large, overwhelming tasks into smaller, actionable steps.
Clarity is the antidote to paralysis. By dissecting self-sabotaging habits, you can create a clear roadmap to move forward with confidence.
Embrace Progress Over Perfection
Waiting for everything to be “just right” is a recipe for stagnation. Perfection isn’t the goal—consistent progress is.
Shift Your Mindset:
• Celebrate small victories, whether it’s completing your first marketing campaign or onboarding your first patient.
• Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process, not a reflection of your worth.
Every step you take brings you closer to your dream practice. Don’t let the fear of imperfection rob you of momentum.
Surround Yourself with a Winning Team
Who you surround yourself with matters. Negative influences fuel self-sabotage, while supportive relationships uplift and empower you.
Actionable Tip:
• Build a network of mentors, colleagues, and professionals who understand the unique challenges of practice ownership.
• Distance yourself from naysayers who reinforce your doubts.
With the right support system, you’ll feel more confident tackling obstacles and embracing your potential.
Your Call to Action
Self-sabotage doesn’t have to be the end of your story. By prioritizing self-care, challenging beliefs, embracing progress, and surrounding yourself with the right people, you can break free and achieve the profitable physiatry practice you deserve.
You’re not alone in this journey. I’ve been where you are, and I know what it takes to overcome these barriers. Let’s partner together to create the thriving practice—and life—you’ve always envisioned.
It’s time to take the first step. Your future patients—and your future self—are waiting.
—
Once you’ve decided that you want to leave your current job to start your practice, you need an exit plan. Check out our blog post here for tips on developing an exit plan and starting your new independent practice.
—
I’m Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits. Please go to businessofrehab.com/contractnegotiations to pick up the free guide to help you negotiate the contract of your dreams.
—
Attention, Physiatrists! Stop leaving money on the table. Sign up for the free video series: How To Build A Profitable Practice in 90 Days or Less: http://www.sixtytosuccess.com
