The greatest asset: Health stands at the forefront of every objective

I love coaching athletes in financial matters as much as I enjoy coaching dentists. Both worlds complement each other in a notable way. Health lies at the heart of the two industries. I often remind my clients that their well-being—both mental and physical—sets the tone for their overall success. I teach that money takes a backseat to health. Funny thing to hear, coming from a finance guy like myself, but I stand by my word. Optimal wellness affords entrepreneurs two things that money can’t buy: physical stamina and mental agility.

If you’ve come to any of my seminars, you might have heard me say, “The will to succeed won’t grant you success in business. You must also possess the will to prepare.” Almost everyone has the will to succeed, but few have what it takes to prepare in advance. Winners seal their fate by getting ready to be ready. I don’t have to advise pro athletes on this My Two Cents. They already embody it with every fiber of their being. Most of them have trained their entire lives in some capacity to make it to the major leagues. Having honed a definitive routine over decades with regard to their bodies, they make the transition, with my guidance, to building even greater money habits.

Connection between business and whole-body health

Thankfully, the dentists I coach also make the connection between their business and their health when I point it out. Stick briefly with me here, and I’ll get you to see it as well. Remember that your entire business revolves around wellness. Most of you have been taught the associations between oral care and the health of the body as a whole. We often see the two as inextricably linked. Moreover, if you’re conscientious about your teeth, you probably care equally about your heart and lungs. How strange it would be to encounter a patient with excellent oral hygiene who completely neglects the rest of themselves!

But let’s not make this about your patients. My message here actually revolves around you, the dentist and entrepreneur. Of course, it stands to reason you would already have impeccable oral health. Now how about the rest of you? Ideally, you also keep your physical health in check. Granted, I don’t expect dentists to resemble pro athletes—although I know some who do. I simply advise those I coach to stay on top of their health markers and listen to their physicians. It rarely works in your favor to attempt to care for patients while you are teetering on the edge. Furthermore, your health habits send a signal to your staff. Let it be that you care deeply. You want to cement a culture that prides itself on optimal wellness. Vitality is everything. Without it, absenteeism increases while work performance plummets.

Your state of mind matters

In my experience, the best dentists show up ready to play like a full-on athlete. They eat a healthy diet, exercise, get proper sleep, and stay hydrated. They also take time away from their business to refresh. Remember that this isn’t only about physical health. The other half of the equation revolves around your state of mind. Inner peace matters a lot. I pay close attention to what I feed my brain, and I encourage my clients to do the same.

Additional reading: Mind your emotions: How your temperament affects your dental practice

If the morning news upsets you, turn it off. Listen to soothing music instead on your way to work. Show up relaxed and ready for your team. That’s how you win. Set the tone via your good mood, and watch what happens. Try it for a week, and you’ll be amazed by what you see.

I often consider the people in my life as mirrors. They generally reflect what I present at any given moment. When I’m on point, they’re right there with me. If they’re grouchy or lackadaisical, that’s an indicator that I’m somewhat off-kilter myself, which means it’s time to pivot. Instead of trying to change them, I focus elsewhere, usually on an unrelated task to center myself. I’ll get a drink of water or step outside for some fresh air. I don’t claim to be a star athlete, but I know to keep my head in the game. Assuredly, my careful attention sets the precedent for everyone else on my team.

If all you do is reset your focus today, you’re nearly halfway there. Commit to doing whatever it takes to get into a better mood. Understand that you don’t have to necessarily turn into a gym devotee if you aren’t one. Nor do you have to take up yoga or meditation, although I won’t discourage either. A brisk walk on your lunch break can do wonders. Cleaning your home and or workspace can also provide a mental refresh and some exercise if you want to check multiple things off your to-do list. Demonstrate to yourself and everyone around you that you know how to set yourself up for success. Show up eager and appreciative. Your energy is contagious.

Speaking of energy, there’s nothing inherently wrong with a morning cup of coffee to rev your engine, but don’t make it a substitute for a good night’s rest.

Take excellent care of yourself. True entrepreneurs recognize that health is a factor in their prosperity. It’s practically the main ingredient. Your entire profession revolves around it.

Business success and the mindset

As a doctor, your goal isn’t to treat symptoms, but rather, root causes. As a financial advisor and business coach, I have the same responsibility to my clients. All too often, business owners think their financial woes stem from lack of money when, in actuality, their problems are linked to something internal. When I address their mindset, their business turns around. When they improve their stamina, they skyrocket toward unimaginable success.

Health stands at the forefront of nearly every objective. As an ardent proponent of functional medicine, I can’t help but notice the ties stemming from mind and body to business—and ultimately our relationships with one another. Our triumphs result from adhering to what’s best for our well-being. Ignore it at your peril. Whether you’re just starting to implement better habits in all aspects of your life and business, or if you’re looking to fine-tune best practices, you’ve got my vote of confidence. Reach out, and I’ll see to it that you thrive. 

Editor's note: This article appeared in the May 2026 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.