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.
Kirk Behrendt is a renowned consultant and speaker in the dental industry, known for his expertise in helping dentists create better practices and better lives. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Kirk has dedicated his professional life to optimizing the best systems and practices in dentistry. Kirk has been a featured speaker at every major dental meeting in the United States. His company, ACT Dental, has consistently been ranked as one of the top dental consultants in Dentistry Today's annual rankings for the past 10 years. In addition, ACT Dental was named one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by Inc Magazine, appearing on their Inc 5000 list. Kirk's motivational skills are widely recognized in the dental industry. Dr. Peter Dawson of The Dawson Academy has referred to Kirk as "THE best motivator I have ever heard." Kirk has also assembled a trusted team of advisor experts who work with dentists to customize individual solutions that meet their unique needs. When he's not motivating dentists and their teams, Kirk enjoys coaching his children's sports teams and spending time with his amazing wife, Sarah, and their four children, Kinzie, Lily, Zoe, and Bo.
