Checking In At The Start Of A New Year

A NEW YEAR IS A NEW BEGINNING, which is why so many of us make New Year’s resolutions. If there’s something we want to change or to accomplish, a fresh year seems like the perfect time to start. So here at the beginning of 2018, our practice is taking stock of last year and looking forward to this one!

The Successes Of 2017
Celebrating the new year with fireworks.With each year comes many opportunities to overcome challenges and 2017 was no exception, but we persevered and this past year was one of tremendous growth for our practice. At the beginning of the year we set a goal to outfit a second exam lane. The purpose was to alleviate the backup that patients were feeling as they progressed through the exam experience. We were able to achieve this goal in the fourth quarter of 2017. This second exam lane has already improved the office flow and decreased waiting times for our patients.

Dr. Fife: Individually, I set a goal to run 3 times a week each week of the year like I had done in 2016, but on Jan 2, 2017, that goal fell apart when I rolled my ankle. Instead, my goal changed to rehabbing my ankle. By June I was able to run in a 5K fun run with a brace. By November I ran the Snow Canyon Half Marathon.

Theresa: I survived a busy, crazy 2017!

Cassie: I spent over 3 years at a job I liked, but I was never seeing my daughter. (She just turned 4.) As a single mom, that’s such an awful feeling. My goal was to be able to spend more time with her. In September, I started working for Dr. Fife. I have normal work hours. I spend more time with my daughter and less time worrying what I’m missing out on.

Alexia: I sent my daughter off on a mission to Zimbabwe, Africa in November. Due to an inability to receive her visa in a timely manner, she was sent stateside to very cold temperatures. Just recently, she was notified that her visa came through and she is looking forward to finally leaving for Africa. I have learned how to be more forgiving and understanding, finding peace in decisions that affect my life and knowing that there is a reason behind each situation.

Our Goals For 2018
As an office, we hope to increase our capacity to take care of more patients while maintaining a good patient flow without compromising patient care. It will require hiring more team members and hiring the right team members who know their roles, but who can also step in and help out wherever they are needed. For our office, patients are our priority.

Dr. Fife: Personally, this is the first year I am actually setting a goal to lose weight. Okay, Okay, I didn’t just start this goal. I’ve been working on it since early November. I’ve lost approximately 10 lbs which has consistently stayed off, but I would like to lose another 10 more. Unfortunately, the holiday goodies got in the way. With my wife expecting our seventh child, my goal is to lose weight during this pregnancies rather than gain weight as has been my past history with each of her other pregnancies. She is due in February. I also would like to better my time in the half marathon. I averaged an 11 minute mile. I would like to average a 9 minute mile or better.

Theresa: I would like to hire three more staff members so I can spend more time each week with my children individually to strengthen my relationships with them.

Alexia: Here are my 2018 goals:

• To be more astute of what is going on around me.

• To be proficient in my work, and everything I do.

• To accept criticism in all its forms

• To develop a better relationship with everyone around me.

• To have a positive attitude about everything at work and play.

• To be kinder to others around me.

• To shut-up and learn to be a better listener.

• Always having kind words for everyone.

• To be more accepting of others.

• To do more and be more active in my community.

• To laugh more.

So these are just a few of my team members’ 2018 goals. What I learned in this exercise is that many people haven’t taken the time to consider their goals for the new year. When you get around to setting your own goals, make sure they are SMART!

S- specific

M- measurable

A- attainable

R- realistic

T- timely

Don’t forget that we can all make positive changes in our lives any time of the year!

What About Your Resolutions?

We’ve shared our resolutions, but we’d love to hear what yours are! Studies have shown 80% of resolutions fail by February, so let’s all help each other stick to our goals this year!

We wish all our patients a wonderful year!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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