Seth Godin: The Purple Cow

Doing home health most books I read these days are all audio so technically I don’t read them but listen to them. "The Purple Cow" by Seth Godin is one that I actually “read” it as opposed to listening to it. I enjoy reading business books and I could not put this one down. It was worth the read... here are some thoughts about it. 

 “The Purple Cow” challenges businesses to stand out in a crowded marketplace. In the book, Godin argues that the traditional marketing methods of creating safe, boring products and advertising them to a mass audience are no longer effective. Instead, he proposes that businesses need to create remarkable, unique products that will capture the attention of a niche market.

Godin uses the metaphor of a purple cow to represent a product that is so remarkable that it stands out in a field of ordinary brown cows. He encourages businesses to embrace their own purple cow and differentiate themselves from their competitors. The book also emphasizes the importance of word-of-mouth marketing and building a community of loyal customers who will spread the word about your product.

The fact that "The Purple Cow" is concise and an easy-to-read writing style makes it an great read. Godin presents his ideas in a clear and engaging way.  It was easy to understand. He also uses real-world examples and case studies to illustrate his points, which helps to make the book both informative and entertaining.

Another reason why "The Purple Cow" is a good book is because it challenges the status quo. It encourages businesses to take risks and be bold, rather than playing it safe and following the crowd. This can be a scary proposition for some business owners, but Godin argues that it is essential for success in today's marketplace.

Overall, "The Purple Cow" is a must-read for anyone who wants to stand out in their industry and create a truly remarkable product. Its insights and strategies can be applied to businesses of all sizes and industries, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders alike.

Malcolm Gladwell: Outliers

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell is a book that has a way of making you question your beliefs about success and what it takes to achieve it. On the one hand, Gladwell presents the 10,000-hour rule, which suggests that expertise is achieved through practice and time spent honing one's craft. This concept is empowering, as it implies that anyone can become great at something if they are willing to put in the effort.

However, the book also explores the idea that success is not just about hard work and innate ability, but also about external factors such as where and when you were born. Gladwell uses examples such as Bill Gates to show how being in the right place at the right time can play a significant role in success. Gates was born into a world where computers were just starting to become popular, and he happened to have access to a computer at a young age. This gave him a head start in programming that many others did not have.

This concept can be difficult to reconcile with the idea of the 10,000-hour rule. If success is not just about hard work, then what is the point of putting in all that effort? Gladwell's argument, however, is not that hard work is meaningless, but that it is not the only factor in success. External circumstances, such as where you were born, can play a role as well.

This can be a hard pill to swallow for those who believe in the "just pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality. The book presents a compelling argument that success is not solely determined by individual effort, but also by outside factors that may be out of our control. It is not a matter of blaming external circumstances for our failures, but rather recognizing that they play a role in our success.

Overall, Outliers is a thought-provoking read that challenges assumptions about success and what it takes to achieve it. It does encourage you to look beyond the individual and consider the external factors that may be contributing to our success or lack thereof. It is a book that will leave you questioning your thought processes and reevaluating what it takes to truly excel. To be honest, I'm kind of split on this book. I like the idea of becoming an expert through time and perseverance but I did not care as much for the victim aspect of the book. The victimhood aspect of the book interferes enough I don’t think I would recommend it. 

Motivation: You Can Make It Through PT School!

Physical therapy school can be a challenging and demanding experience. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Staying motivated while in school can be a struggle, but there are some things you can do to keep yourself on track. Here are some tips for staying motivated during physical therapy school:

1. Set realistic goals: Setting goals for yourself is an excellent way to stay motivated. Be sure to set realistic goals that are achievable. Something that helped me a lot was realizing it’s okay not to get an A. Be okay with getting B’s and C’s.
2. Find a support system: It can be helpful to have a support system during physical therapy school. This could include classmates, friends, family, or even a therapist. I’m lucky that my wife was so supportive. 
3. Take breaks: It's essential to take breaks from studying and schoolwork. Taking some time to exercise. You are going to be a PT. You believe in the power of exercise!
4. Stay organized: Staying organized can help you stay on top of your workload and reduce stress. Use a planner (I used a paper calendar but digital works too) to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and test dates.
5. Remember why you started: It's easy to lose sight of why you started physical therapy school when you're in the thick of it. Just put your head down and focus on the end goal. 

In conclusion, staying motivated during physical therapy school can be tough, but you can do it. I struggled through with 3 kids and a wife but I started to embrace the struggle and use it to grow. By setting realistic goals, finding a support system, taking breaks, staying organized, and remembering why you started, you can stay on track and make it through.

Johnny Cash: You Didn't Know His Songs Were For PTs?

So recently I have found myself listening to a lot of Johnny Cash. Here are some Johnny Cash songs that I think are great for PTs:

"I Walk the Line" - This classic hit is all about staying on the straight and narrow, which could be a metaphor for the dedication and discipline required to excel as a physical therapist. Also, think balance exercises. 

"Ring of Fire" - This upbeat song about falling in love could also be interpreted as a metaphor for the passion and enthusiasm that many physical therapists bring to their work.

"A Boy Named Sue" - This humorous song tells the story of a man who grows up tough because of his unusual name, which could be a reminder of how PTs (and our patients) must develop resilience and perseverance.

"Man in Black" - This song is a tribute to those who are "fighting back" against weakness and functional deficits. I know it’s a stretch… did you see what I did there. Stretch… ba dum tsh.

"Get Rhythm" - This lively song is all about finding your groove and keeping things moving, which could be a great motto for physical therapists because we help our patients regain their strength, mobility, and independence.

No real rhyme or reason for this just for fun… Been listening to a lot of Johnny and thought I would give his songs a little PT twist. 

 

Shadowing: An Important Key For PT School Preparation

Shadowing a physical therapist is an essential step for anyone considering a career in PT. Here are some reasons why shadowing is so important before applying to PT school:

Gain real-world experience: Shadowing allows you to observe physical therapists in action and see what their daily work entails. This can give you a better understanding of the profession and help you decide if it's the right career path for you.

Learn about different specialties: Physical therapy is a broad field with many different specialties. If you can try to shadow in several areas. I wish I would have had more shadowing experience outside of outpatient orthopedics. I had no idea how diverse PT really is.

Networking opportunities: Shadowing can provide you with the opportunity to meet and network with physical therapists. Seems like a stretch but you never know where you might end up working. I do contract work for a PT I shadowed so I know firsthand that shadowing as a prospective PT student can pay off in the future.

Letters of recommendation: PT programs require letters of recommendation from physical therapists. This is exactly how I got my letters… I shadowed several PTs and the ones I liked (and they seemed to like me) were the ones I asked for letters from.

In conclusion, shadowing several PTs is an important step when considering a career in physical therapy. It can provide you with valuable real-world experience. Take advantage of shadowing opportunities whenever you have the chance! 

Steps for Acing Your Undergraduate Anatomy Class

Anatomy and physiology classes can be tough, but they are crucial for anyone aspiring to become a physical therapist. Don’t just go through the motions as an undergrad but try to really internalize the content. Here are some tips to help you not only survive but excel in your anatomy and physiology classes:

Attend every class: It's important to attend every lecture and lab session. This will ensure that you don't miss any important information and that you have a good understanding of the material.

Take good notes: Taking good notes is essential in anatomy and physiology classes. Write down key terms, concepts, and definitions. Writting helps with retention! Also, use diagrams and sketches to help you visualize the structures and functions.

Use study aids: There are many study aids available that can help you learn anatomy and physiology. The things that helped me the most were flashcards and self-made study guides. The fact of the matter is the more time you spend with the material the more likely you are to retain it. 

Study in groups: Studying in groups can be helpful as you can discuss and compare notes with your peers. This is not my favorite way to study to focus on but it can also help you identify areas where you may be struggling and work together to understand the material better. 

Use mnemonics: Mnemonics can be helpful but for me if I used this tool too much sometimes the mnemonics would run together. For example, "Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet AH!" can help you remember the 12 cranial nerves and their functions.

Engage in hands-on learning: Engaging in hands-on learning can be helpful in understanding anatomy and physiology. If possible get into a wet lab! Experience with wet lab help me tremendously when I got to PT school.

Seek help when needed: If you're struggling with a particular concept or topic, don't be afraid to get help. In my experience professors are not just happy to excited you are taking initiative. 

In conclusion, surviving anatomy and physiology classes requires dedication (time and repetition), hard work, and a willingness to learn. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of acing that undergrad anatomy class.

3 Quick Tips For PT School Test Prep

 Here are 3 simple tips for preparing for a test in physical therapy school:

1. Review your class notes: Take the time to review all the material covered by the teacher. Most of the time teachers lecture more on things they like to test on. Highlight key points in the text. Creating flashcards helped me study all the time. I would pull out and review flash cards every chance I had.

2. Practice with sample questions: Look for sample questions or practice tests to help you prepare for the exam. These can give you an idea of what types of questions you can expect and help you identify areas where you need more practice.

3. Get plenty of rest and exercise: Let’s get real your in PT school… you believe exercise is important. As simple as it sounds you should make sure you're getting enough sleep. Exercise and good sleep can help you feel more alert, focused, and confident on test day.

5 Simple Ways To Knock Your PT School Interview Out Of The Park

Prepping for a PT school interview is a crucial step to ensure you knock the interview out of the park. Here are five ways you can improve your interview skills:

1. Research the school and the program: Familiarize yourself with the PT school you are applying to, its mission, and the program requirements. Read about the faculty, the curriculum, and any special programs or opportunities that the school offers. Having a good understanding of the program will allow you to speak more confidently and demonstrate your interest in the school.

2. Practice answering common interview questions: Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions, such as why you want to become a physical therapist, how you handle stress, what you bring to the program, and how you would handle challenging situations. When you prepare think of stories from your life. For example, if the question is about handling stress give an example of a time you were under a lot of stress and then tell what you did to handle it. This makes the interview more personal. Don’t forget to practice with a friend or mentor to receive feedback and refine your answers.

3. Dress professionally: Dressing professionally for an interview can help you feel more confident and show that you are serious about the opportunity. Make sure your attire is clean, pressed, and appropriate for the occasion. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. 

4. Demonstrate your communication skills: Physical therapy is a field that requires excellent communication skills, so it's important to showcase your ability to communicate effectively during the interview. Make sure to speak clearly, listen attentively, and ask thoughtful questions. Practice avoiding um and ah when speaking so you sound more professional. 

5. Be yourself: Finally, remember to be yourself during the interview. While it's important to prepare and present yourself professionally, it's equally important to be authentic and genuine. Make sure you share personal experiences and interests, and let your personality come through. This will help you stand out from other candidates.

Market Analysis: Website Comparison

So recently I have started doing a market analysis on the local physical therapy clinics in the area. I owned a clinic that was primarily cash pay with a few major insurance contracts but I decided to close my doors when Covid hit. When I closed my doors I started contracting for home health agencies as well as some outpatient facilities.

This has paid the bills but I want more than that. Working as a contractor I work all the time chasing work. I'm working insane hours and it's just not manageable anymore. So my wife and I have started the process of looking at opening another clinic this time with the intention of being more insurance based.

As part of the research, we started a market analysis looking at all the local clinics. A good part of our analysis included looking at the online presence of the local clinics. We found several of them had very few reviews. Some of them did not even have websites listed.

As we started reviewing their websites we found that they are visually unattractive to say the least. Seeing websites that seem to be lacking a level of professionality in pictures and video we've realized we need to invest in this area. 

We've started talking to a local professional photographer we found, Matt Pierce, and his group Route Three Productions. We started looking at his portfolio online and realized this level of quality would improve a PT website tremendously. 

As things move forward I will plan on putting up the pics on my blog so you can see the level of quality a true professional can bring you. 

In the meantime check out the portfolio we looked at. Here's a link to the portfolio that we looked at that made us realize we need high-quality photos that are being set up by a professional. 

https://www.routethreeproductions.com/portfolio-commercial-photographer-corpus-christi 

Pearl S. Buck: The Good Earth

The Good Earth was so good! It takes place in China and tells the tale of and poor farmer and his rise to wealth. A real rags to riches story but that's not all. After the main character reaches riches and status it continues and shows you becoming rich is not everything. 

He goes from a hard-working farmer who is obsessed with buying land and obtaining independence. He gains wealth but life does not necessarily get easier... just more complex. 

It is well written and makes you want to get back to it. I normally listen to books during my drives from patient to patient and then take a break when I get home but I wanted to keep listening/reading even after I got home.

Reading to or listening to something interesting. Drop a line I would love to hear what it is so I can read it too!