It can be difficult knowing what to focus your attention on when planning your career or evaluating next steps. This post will help you navigate the path to success by helping you focus on where your focus should be.
It is really important to get the right focus when you are thinking about moving forward with your career. Should you spend more time honing your existing skills or should you break new ground and acquire new skills? The answer to this question will vary depending on your circumstances and your role.
What type of doctor are you?
One way to think about where our attention should be is with the martini glass model. It's inherently easy and probably too easy for shaky career paths BUT it gives us a chance to think about it and think about where we are and where we are going. So let's take a look at the three phases of the Martini glass model.
The Martini glass model – 3 phases
Beginner phase – The focus has to be wide, everything is still new and it's a bit like a rabbit in the spotlight. Pay attention to your clinical role models, start focusing on your super ability and remember the most important words – I don't know.
Specialist phase – The reputation building has started and you are collecting these experience points in order to develop your super ability into something unique and indispensable. The depth of your focus and understanding extends into new areas, but your focus is still limited only to your specialty. You begin to be in a position when you are the role model for the entry level career. You can be left to your own devices as you are trusted to do your job well and given the freedom to reach your potential.
Caution! In this middle phase one can easily become complacent.
Expert Phase – As you move into the Expert Phase, you need to broaden your focus on things outside of your direct role so that you can break new ground and connect services or topics. For physical therapists, this can be the transition to advanced clinical practice or a leadership role. You need to focus on more than just your solo clinician skills. You are a source of knowledge for everyone, you are often breaking new ground and people are looking for your thoughts and opinions.
Planning for the future
A five year plan is a great way to give yourself some structure and general direction of travel. Setting ambitious goals for yourself is a great way to keep motivation high and keep you on track towards your goal.
5 year plans don't have to be set in stone, they offer plenty of freedom of movement and should be dynamic so that you regularly review where you want to be. They can also be as simple as you like.
Download a Simple Free 5 Year Plan
Shout out to RadReads for inspiration on this post. Be sure to check out the great work that Khe Hy and his team have created, remember to expand your horizons beyond pure physio content!
