Recently I held a competition in my group, Inner Circle Hall Of Fame, where my most elite members presented their story so far, their struggles, their success and what they’ve learnt along the way. The top prize, a $10,000 trip to America and the first person in my Inner Circle Hall Of Fame. After hearing all their amazing stories I knew I needed to get them on the podcast so over the next couple of weeks I will be bringing their stories to you. Up next is Ana, here’s her story in her own words: I opened my practice right after graduation. Opening the doors in March 2008 and I grew it to 100/ week in 6 months and feel quite quick into the “comfortable” category. It took me about 3 years to break the 150 barrier and got stuck for many years at 200. Being involved with the Spanish Chiropractic Association, teaching at the BCC and trying to do too many things was definitely part of it, but to be completely honest, the word “comfort” and thinking I knew what I was doing seems about right. I wanted to grow but have no clue HOW. I tried many coaches in the past and all I could think of was: “there is a problem in ME”. In my second year I had a major accident and I survived… only stronger. They told me I would never walk again and I did. Five years ago, I decided to test again if I couldn’t manage my epilepsy naturally, without my meds. Year and a half of strict dieting and habits, new associate “just in case” (we have schedule for seizures… mine were always in the morning) and for a year and a half I struggled with two seizures a month. Practice survived and actually we touched the 300 adjustments/week. There was more capacity with 2 CA’s and 2 DCs (I was only missing work on seizure day). I was lucky enough not to have any seizures while patients where there… but I had a lot of issues with my team. Not fun. Welcome vulnerability. First major problem showed up: For the first time we were a team of 4 with no systems and no structure. Now I know, but I did not know at that time. There was no leadership, no structure, nothing. And then… the unimaginable happened. My father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he was GONE in two months. I honestly asked myself this question more times than what I would like to share: “Do I really want to keep doing this? Is this worth it?” This is the context I connected with Ryan. I didn’t need too many patients. My PVA was already above 70; I needed help trusting myself again. I needed structure, systems, a little bit of order. I needed HELP. I am a smart and strong person. Medical School, Summa Cum Laude in Chiropractic School… I am not used to feeling “desperate”, “useless” and so lonely. I was “coaching” 5 DCs starting their practices and I felt like a complete fraud. How could I help anyone if I can’t even help myself?
