Dream Big: Starting 2025 with a Vision for the Future

Welcome to 2025! The start of a new year always feels like a fresh chapter—full of hope, new goals, and maybe even a little bit of pressure to "do better" than last year. I’m right there with you. But this year, I’m thinking a little differently.

I’ve been reading Lead from the Future by Mark Johnson, and it’s really shifted my perspective. Instead of just focusing on what I want to accomplish in the next 12 months, I’m asking myself: Where do I want to be in five years? In ten? What kind of practice, life, and legacy do I want to create?

And let me tell you—thinking this way is both exciting and a little scary. But it’s also exactly the kind of challenge I need heading into this new year.

Why Long-Term Thinking Matters

Here’s the deal: It’s super easy to get caught up in the short-term stuff. Trust me, I know. In orthodontics (and probably in life in general), we spend so much time focused on the next case, the next patient, the next piece of shiny tech. And while those things matter, they can distract us from asking the big questions.

For me, those big questions sound like:

• What’s my ultimate vision for this practice?

• How can I build systems now that will make things easier, not harder, five years from now?

• What kind of experience do I want my team and my patients to have every day?

Johnson’s idea of “Future-Back Thinking” is about starting with that long-term vision and then working backward to figure out how to get there. Instead of just setting goals for 2025, I’m thinking about what I want my practice to look like in 2030 and what steps I need to take today to make that happen.

The Vision

So, what does my future practice look like? I picture a place where everything works seamlessly: tech, systems, patient care, team culture—you name it. Patients love the convenience and quality of what we do, and my team feels empowered, supported, and excited to come to work. That’s the dream, and I know it’s possible.

But getting there isn’t going to happen overnight. It’s about making smart decisions now—like improving systems, investing in education, and thinking ahead, even when it’s easier to just stay in the moment.

What I’m Doing Now

Here’s how I’m kicking off this whole "future-back" approach in 2025:

1. Setting Time to Dream Big
   This one is huge. I’m blocking off time each month—away from the office and the day-to-day grind—to focus on the big picture. For me, this might mean a quiet morning with a notebook and a cup of coffee, or even a walk where I let my mind wander. The key is creating space to think about where I want to go without getting pulled into emails, phone calls, or the next pressing issue. It’s not easy to prioritize this kind of thinking, but I’m finding it’s worth every minute.

2. Bringing My Team In
   My vision for the practice isn’t just mine—it’s something my team and I need to create together. I’ve started having more open conversations with them about what we want to build. What do they need to feel more supported? What ideas do they have for improving how we work? I’m also involving them in brainstorming sessions to create a shared sense of ownership over our goals. When everyone feels invested in the future, the energy shifts. It’s not just my dream—it’s our dream.

3. Tracking the Right Things
   Metrics have always been important to me, but I’m learning to focus on ones that really matter long-term. It’s not just about starts or revenue—it’s about how well our systems are working, how patients are experiencing their care, and how happy and engaged my team feels. I’m using tools like Gaidge to keep tabs on KPIs, but I’m also asking bigger questions: Are we on track to reach our five-year vision? Are the small decisions we’re making today moving us closer to our ultimate goals?

4. Taking Risks and Trying New Things
   This year, I’m committing to stepping out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s investing in new technology, revamping our workflows, or launching new initiatives, I’m focusing on the kind of changes that might feel uncomfortable now but will pay off down the road. One of those changes includes taking a closer look at how we can streamline patient onboarding and integrate technology like Dental Monitoring in even more meaningful ways.

5. Celebrating Wins Along the Way
   A long-term vision can feel overwhelming, so I’m making it a point to celebrate the milestones along the journey. Every improvement—big or small—deserves recognition. When we refine a process, enhance patient care, or achieve a team goal, we’re stopping to acknowledge it. This keeps everyone motivated and reminds us that even small steps are progress toward something bigger.

Your Turn

As we dive into 2025, I challenge you to think beyond this year’s goals. What does your dream future look like? How do you want your life, your work, or your relationships to evolve over the next decade?

It’s a big question, but here’s the cool part: Once you start dreaming, the steps to get there become clearer. It’s not about having all the answers right now—it’s about taking that first step and trusting the process.

Here’s to a year of bold ideas, big dreams, and building something incredible—one step at a time. Let’s make 2025 the beginning of something amazing.