Solo Practice

I'm paraphrasing the title from another excellent Tejvan Pettinger piece called, "Things We Hate To Admit" because when extrapolated to the challenges facing those who want to open a solo practice it just makes sense:

When things go wrong we are tempted to blame other people and external events beyond our control. We feel a helpless victim and use excuses to justify our unhappiness. External events can definitely make things difficult, but, ultimately what counts is how we respond and deal with situations. Two people can live through the same experience, but come through with a completely different outlook.

If we wait for outer circumstances to be favorable, we may be continually waiting. We need to learn how to make the most of our fate. If we can retain a positive outlook and aspire to overcome difficulties we will be able to improve our fate. Our thoughts and inner state of mind have the capacity to draw things into our life. If we expect problems we will inevitably generate them in some form. If we are open to attracting good experiences then they will also come.

If you want to open your own solo practice and are waiting for the 'perfect' time to do so, when all the stars align, you have enough money in the bank, your child is in school full days, your spouse gets their promotion, when the world will be sunshine, lollipops and rainbows ...well, guess what?  You are not really committed to opening your own solo practice.

There will never be a 'perfect' time.  There will be times that are better than others.  But more often then not you may be be backed into it by the sudden loss of your job, your spouse's loss of their job or the inability to get any job. 

If you know you want to open your own solo practice, don't wait for the 'perfect time.'  It doesn't exist.  If you really know you want to open your own practice look at your current circumstances, declare them 'perfect' and get started knowing you will have to find a way to address the unique challenges in your life today.  Always be proactive in your life, not reactive.  That is the real freedom.