Independence as a Goal for Building a Practice

When I have a consultation with a potential client, I always ask two questions:  what do you want to create in your practice, and why?  More often than not, one aspect of the “why” addresses the desire for independence.  Service partners, for instance, often mention the desire to regain some scheduling freedom.  Freedom in being able to generate income often figures prominently, as does the freedom of choosing which matters and clients to accept.

If you don’t have a clear answer to what you want to achieve and why you want to achieve it, you will find success elusive.  You must know the what so you can lay your plans and measure your progress, and you must know the why so that you can keep your motivation when times get tough.

This week, be sure your what and why are clear.  If not, you have some reflection to do!  In the meantime, consider these quotations about independence, especially in the context of business, industry, and personal independence.

If you are going to have to play defense all the time, you cannot have the kind of ingenuity, assertiveness, independence, and intelligence which is what has made our country strong.
~Arlen Specter

Many a revolution started with the actions of a few.  Only 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence.  A few hanging together can lead a nation to change.
~Wynton Marsalis

Originality is independence, not rebellion; it is sincerity, not antagonism.
~George Henry Lewes