Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time to create a transformation.  With our profession full of uncertainty and change, the words of Peter Drucker resonate profoundly: "The best way to predict the future is to create it." This is not just an aspirational mantra but a practical approach to navigating the complexities of modern life and business. By actively shaping our future, we take control of our destiny, rather than being passive recipients of whatever comes our way. Here’s how you can embrace this mindset and start creating the future you deserve.  

Change is the only constant, and chaos is often its companion. To create the future, you must first accept that the status quo is not a viable long-term strategy. Embracing change means being open to new ideas, technologies, and ways of thinking. It requires a mindset shift from maintaining or “improving” the current state to actively seeking out opportunities for innovation and new ways of doing things. 

Understanding that chaos is a natural part of the process can help you navigate it more effectively. In business, this might mean dealing with market disruptions or technological advancements that render old models obsolete. It also means that you need to recognize when the game you are playing changes.  Instead of fearing these changes, see them as opportunities to radically innovate and redefine your path. Innovation can be incremental, like using lighter, more durable materials in a socket, or a cool new cover. That is not going to work here...our game has changed! Traditional O&P patient care is under attack from all sides.  How do we remain relevant and care for the people who so need your professional services when the game changes? We need to step outside of our box and get a bit strategic.  Stephen Covey famously said, “Start with the end in mind.” If you could pull yourself out of everything and totally rethink O&P care, what would our whole system look like? How would we demonstrate value? 

Creating the future requires taking decisive action. Vision and planning are essential, but they must be accompanied by strategic execution. You must understand the new game. We need to step outside of our box and get a bit strategic. Doing the same things you’ve always done in a different way isn’t going to help your business any more than a new cover will help your athlete patient with a Sach foot. The game has changed. As you think about the success of your practice, take the time to think about the future you envision. Radical innovation, akin to introducing a bionic limb, involves groundbreaking changes that can redefine the profession. By understanding and balancing these approaches, you can effectively manage your practice and improve patient care, ensuring that you are not just keeping up with the future, but actively creating it. OPIE Is here with you on the journey of transformation.  Look for a significant announcement from Paul Prusakowski coming soon!