Looking to take your practice to the next level? Many of the best business bookshelves groan under the weight of tomes touting "secrets" and foolproof "systems" to help you manage your practice like a pro. And, of course, it’s always great to have a mentor in your corner. But while these resources can be valuable, the path to becoming a better practice owner is far simpler: you need to make mistakes.
The best lessons we learn often come from stumbles, missteps, and even outright failures. Failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s part of the journey. Is a fear of failure holding you back from making your practice as successful as it could be?
Let’s face it: no one likes to fail. But without trying we can’t hope to improve. To bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, embrace the "Learn, Try, Do, Fail" cycle. Every attempt, successful or not, offers valuable data. Analyze what didn’t work, adapt, and move forward. Sure, you’ll fail from time to time—but you’ll also get better!
Remember: the most fearsome competitor isn’t the dentist down the street, it’s stagnation. By embracing a growth mindset and learning from our mistakes, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities—all it takes is a little action.