Set your physiotherapy career goals for 2024 with this framework

It is not uncommon for physiotherapists to find themselves stuck in the jobs they don’t enjoy. Or even worse their work seems to be draining all their energy leading to a burnout. Since we spend so much time at work, this is a big problem. We need our jobs in order to make money but sometimes it can cost us our happiness. It may seem impossible to find a job that we actually enjoy. But what if I tell you that there is a way to find a career that is meaningful and fulfilling to you? The answer is in setting right physiotherapy career goals.

In order to have a fulfilling career, you must be willing to take some time out and reflect on what you truly want in the long run. Setting career goals is crucial for several reasons, as it provides a clear direction and purpose to your professional life. Well-defined career goals help you identify your aspirations and the path you need to take to achieve them. This process enables you to prioritize tasks, make informed decisions, and stay focused on your long-term objectives.

Hence I developed this simple framework for you to set your physiotherapy career goals for 2024. Actually you can use the same framework for any of your life goals. But I want to specifically talk about your physiotherapy career goals for 2024.

Framework to set your physiotherapy career goals

• SMART Goal
• Why?
• Which habit do I need to form or break?
• How surprised will I be if I fail? (0-10)
• Top 3 reasons for failing
• Who can help?
• How can I help myself succeed?
• Action steps needed

Let’s break this down, shall we? (Examples in the end)

“SMART” physiotherapy career goal

Craft your goals with the SMART criteria in mind: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When goals are vague it is hard to measure your progress towards them. Also goals need to be something that is completely under your control. For example when you say “get a job” ; there are several factors outside of your control at play. But something like completing 10 job applications in next 3 months is totally under your control. See my point?

Why do I want to set this as my career goal?

Understanding the purpose behind your goals is the foundation of a meaningful career plan. Begin by asking yourself: Why are these goals important to me? Whether it’s personal growth, financial stability, work life balance or contributing to the community, identifying the ‘why’ will fuel your motivation throughout the journey. Get as specific as you can.

Which habit do I need to form or break in order to achieve my goal?

As author James Clear famously says, systems are more important than goals. You need to have strong systems in place in order to achieve those goals. Goals are often intertwined with habits. Identify the habits that will propel you forward and those that may hinder your progress. For instance, forming a habit of getting up early or breaking the habit of mindless scrolling can significantly impact your career goals.

How Surprised Will I Be if I Fail (1-10)?

This step involves assessing your belief in the achievability of your goal. Assign a number from 1 to 10, indicating how surprised you would be if you fail. This self-reflection helps you gauge your confidence and commitment to the goal.

Top 3 Reasons for Failing

Anticipate potential challenges and list the top three reasons why you might fail. This proactive approach allows you to develop strategies to overcome obstacles before they arise.

Who Can Help?

Identify PT career coaches, mentors, colleagues, or industry experts who can provide guidance and support. Building a network of professionals in your field can offer valuable insights and open doors to opportunities. Hint HInt, Wink Wink, you can sign up for my one on one consultations.

Action steps needed to achieve my physiotherapy career goal

Break down your goal into manageable chunks. Create a timeline and establish milestones. Knock down larger yearly goals into monthly and weekly goals. This structured approach will make your goal more achievable and less overwhelming.

Some physiotherapy career goals can look like:

To become a sports physiotherapists

• SMART Goal: Obtain CSCS certification by December 2024
• Why: It helps towards my long term goal of becoming a sports physiotherapists
• Habit: Form a habit of dedicating 1 hour daily for focused study.
• Surprised if Fail (1-10): This is totally up to how you feel
• Top 3 Reasons for Failing: Lack of consistent study routine, insufficient resource utilization, and inadequate exam preparation.
• Who Can Help: Connect with certified professionals on linkedIn, check out NSCA India’s study resources
• Action steps: Find out the material needed, start preparing, reach out to CSCS certified professionals on LinkedIn to set up a call and ask questions.

Establish a Physiotherapy Clinic

• SMART Goal: Open a physiotherapy clinic catering to orthopedic patients by December 2024
• Why: To contribute to the community and serve patients with MSK dysfunction
• Habit: Break the habit of indecision by making one business-related decision weekly.
• Surprised if Fail (1-10): This is totally up to how you feel
• Top 3 Reasons for Failing: Financial challenges, lack of business acumen, and inadequate marketing strategies.
• Who Can Help: Consult with business advisors, network with established clinic owners, seek financial advice.
• Action steps needed: Set up meetings with existing clinic owners to understand their journey, start looking for a place, come up with marketing ideas.

Transition to nonclinical career

• SMART Goal: Apply to 10 nonclinical jobs by the end of quarter 1 of 2024
• Why: To have a better work life balance while making good income
• Habit: Form a habit of spending 1 hour everyday learning a new skill
• Surprised if Fail (1-10): This is totally upto how you feel
• Top 3 Reasons for Failing: Insufficient networking, limited understanding, and challenges in translating clinical skills to non clinical competencies.
• Who Can Help: Hint: You can sign up for one on oe consultations. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn
• Action steps needed: Update LinkedIn profile, create non clinical resume, shortlist non clinical roles, reach out to professionals on LinkedIn in the similar roles etc.

Define Career Direction and figure out what to do

• SMART Goal: Identify a preferred specialization within physiotherapy and outline a career path within the next 6 months.
• Why: Clarify personal and professional aspirations, paving the way for a more focused and fulfilling career.
• Habit: Form a habit of self-reflection and exploration, dedicating time each week to research different physiotherapy specializations, industries, and potential career paths.
• Surprised if Fail (1-10): This is totally upto how you feel
• Top 3 Reasons for Failing: Procrastination in decision-making, limited exposure to diverse physiotherapy fields, and resistance to stepping out of the comfort zone.
• Who Can Help: You can sign up for my one on one consultations. Seek guidance from experienced physiotherapists in various specialties, engage in informational interviews, and attend career fairs or workshops.
• Action steps needed: Apply for observership, Read spotlights, get on LinkedIn, Shortlist the career options of your interest

Conclusion: Embrace this goal-setting framework as a compass for navigating your career path in 2024. By understanding the ‘why,’ setting SMART goals, addressing habits, and proactively planning for success, you’ll be well-equipped to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.