The 7 habits of highly effective physical therapists

Last week on twitter Adam Grant shared one of his #thursdaythoughts.

He tweeted the following:

"The eighth habit of highly successful people: they don’t spend all their time reading about the seven habits of highly successful people. Reflection leads to more learning when it follows action. Be a doer, not just a thinker."

He was referring to Stephen Covey's 7 habits of highly effective people: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits.html, and the importance of taking action not just spending time reflecting on the 7 habits.

This got me self-reflecting on what I can DO professionally as a physical therapist to be highly effective? I found myself drawn to wanting to describe the key characteristics of highly effective physical therapists and how they (he or she) DO physical therapy well...

1. They start each encounter with a smile.

2. They empower the patient/client to help themselves.

3. They begin with the end in mind when developing and explaining a patient/client's plan of care.

4. They reduce fear and create a safe context/environment in which to make positive change.

5. They regularly evaluate the effectiveness of intervention and do not blame lack of progress on the patient/client.

6. They are willing to say “I don’t know…AND …”I will do some research to find out.”

7. They are committed to life long learning personally and professionally-never settling for mediocrity.

If you have an injury, or are living life in pain, seek out a physical therapist or physical therapy office like drivept.co that embodies these 7 traits.

Thanks for reading & Happy Friyay!

Lindsey Hughey, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT :)

ps. I challenge you to think about the 7 best practice strategies or characteristics of your own profession or job, and seek to embody them on the daily!