The Power of Focus
One common mistake that many practice owners make is trying to be good at everything. However, it’s nearly impossible to become truly great at any one thing when you’re spreading yourself thin across multiple areas. Many practitioners try to brand themselves as experts in every area of eye care. While it’s certainly possible to have basic knowledge across various subspecialties, being an expert in all of them is simply not realistic.
My Hard Lesson on the Power of Focus
In the early years of my practice, I lacked focus. I tried to do it all, thinking it would help grow my business. Whenever I attended meetings and heard other doctors discuss something new or “advanced” in their practice, I rushed to implement it in mine as soon as I returned.
One year, I launched a Dry Eye Clinic, a Low Vision Clinic, a Beauty and Skincare Boutique, a Specialty Contact Lens Clinic, and even offered Nutraceutical Consultations— all within the same year. The result? Complete chaos. I lost both time and money trying to manage so many things at once.
So, please take this advice to heart: instead of trying to juggle every specialty, I challenge you to pick one area and focus on becoming exceptional at it.
Focus gives you energy, power, and motivation—making you unstoppable.
Lessons from Apple’s Founder, Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was known for his intense focus. He was ruthless about eliminating distractions that took away from his primary goals. If something wasn’t a priority for the day, he wouldn’t respond to emails or even direct questions about it—he just kept moving forward with his purpose.
Jobs’ unwavering focus sometimes created friction with others, but he never let that sway him from his vision. When he returned to Apple in 1997, one of his first moves was to streamline a complex and overextended product line. He narrowed Apple’s offerings down to just four products—targeting business and consumer markets. This sharp focus essentially saved the company and set Apple on a path to becoming one of the most successful brands in the world.
What If I Have Many Interests?
During a recent discussion on focus, one doctor asked, “But Lauretta, what if I have many interests? Should I pick one and abandon the others?” It’s a fair question. Here’s my answer: you don’t have to throw away all your interests, but you should focus on one at a time.
If you’re passionate about offering multiple specialties in your practice, I recommend you follow this approach:
- Assess Demand: Determine the demand for each service or product in your community.
- Analyze Profitability: Identify the potential profit from adding each service.
- Hire an Associate: Bring on a doctor who is trained or passionate about the subspecialty.
- Build a Support Team: Hire a team specifically for the subspecialty.
- Pace Yourself: Introduce one specialty at a time, spacing them at least 1-2 years apart.
The optical industry is crowded, and patients have limited attention spans. By specializing in one thing and doing it exceptionally well, you’ll not only capture more attention but also gain awareness for your practice with less effort.
Why Specialization Matters
Becoming an expert in one subspecialty and offering related services and products will make it easier to attract patients and boost your practice’s profitability.
The power of focus is undeniable. If you want to hone in on your strengths and connect with like-minded professionals, don’t miss out on our upcoming mastermind group.
Why Join the Optometry Divas Community?
Our Mastermind events offer a unique combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability, and support. This virtual group setting will help you create a personalized blueprint for practice success and achieve work-life balance. With only a few seats remaining, now is the time to act!
Click HERE to reserve your spot today!
I look forward to seeing you there.
Until next time, remember to dream big, take risks, and become the CEO of YOU™!
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