The Wins, the WTHs, and What We're Not Dragging Into 2026

Can you believe we're already in 2026?

I know, I know. Time flies when you're running a practice, leading a team, and trying to keep your head above water. But before we dive headfirst into 2026, I want to share some of the biggest lessons and wins from this past year.

Because here's what I know: you don't need every piece of advice until you actually need it. So think of this as your quick reference guide. If something resonates, go deeper. If not, bookmark it for later.

The Goals Question Nobody Asks (But Should)

Here's the big one from early in the year: Why are you even setting those goals in the first place? I just got off the phone with a woman doctor who said something that stuck with me. She admitted she sets a lot of goals hoping they'll make her feel happy or fulfilled. But instead, she ends up with mismatched expectations and feeling like she's constantly falling short. Sound familiar?

Before you write down "produce X amount" or "add Y new patients," ask yourself this: What's the feeling I'm actually looking for on the other side of this goal? Keep asking "so that what?" until you get to the real answer underneath. Because the metrics? They're just a vehicle. They're not the destination.

Progress Over Perfection (Every Single Time)

One thing that came up again and again this year: celebrating progress matters way more than hitting perfection. If your team is constantly not meeting goals, that becomes demoralizing fast. But if you're communicating wins and progress along the way, even the small stuff, everything shifts.

Your goals need structure, yes. But they also need flexibility. And they definitely need consistent revisiting, not just a set-it-and-forget-it approach in January.

When You're the Problem (And You Probably Are)

Listen, I say this with love: most of the time when there's a breakdown in your practice, it probably started with you. I'm raising my hand right there with you.

It comes down to the five C's. The number one? Clarity. If you're repeating yourself constantly, if there are fires everywhere, if your team seems confused about standards, go back to the beginning.

Did you actually communicate clearly what you wanted, why you wanted it, and what it should look like? Because here's what happens: we get our teams all wrapped up in new standards or changes without ever having clarity in the first place.

The Commitment Piece

You also can't skip the commitment step. Your team needs to actually be bought into your vision, not just nodding along saying "yeah, sure, sounds great." If they're not committing, figure out why. Is it you? Is it them? Sometimes people just aren't the right fit, and that's okay. But you have to do the work to find out which one it is.

What We're Not Bringing Into 2026

In the new year, here's what I'm personally leaving behind:

Complacency. It's so easy to get busy and stop evaluating what's working and what's not. I'm guilty of it too. But if you're not consistently sharpening your skills and reassessing your systems, things start to slip.

Big, expensive gestures over specific appreciation. At the end of the year especially, your team doesn't need fancy parties or expensive gifts. They need to hear specific things you appreciate about them. They need to know you see their growth and their effort. I learned this the hard way when I tried to type up one generic appreciation note and just insert names. Trust me, they notice. And they care.

Metrics as the goal itself. Like I said earlier, metrics are just the vehicle. They help us understand where we are in the journey. But they're not the point. The point is becoming the kind of leader, practice owner, and human you actually want to be.

Ready for 2026?

If you're looking for support as you head into the new year, I'd love to help.

At Ladder5, I work with women practice owners who want to build practices that create real impact without burning out. We focus on practical systems, sustainable growth, and leading in alignment with your values.

Check out Ladder5 for resources, workbooks, and mentorship designed specifically for women dentists who want to practice differently. Because 2026 is going to be your year.

But only if you're intentional about what you're bringing into it and what you're leaving behind.