Steal My 2026 Planning Process [episode 75]
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Listen to Steal My 2026 Planning Process on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your player of choice
The new year is here, which means I’m back from maternity leave and diving into ALL things 2026 planning!
Annual planning as a private-practice therapist isn’t about being rigid. It’s not about getting every detail perfect.
It’s about stepping into CLARITY. When you’re crystal clear on what matters and what you’re capable of, you will create a business and life that feels aligned!
A little bit of intentional planning now saves you from a whole lot of chaos later.
In today's episode, I'm sharing how you can steal my 2026 planning process.
I always start with my “big rocks.” These are the major priorities (personal and professional) that shape everything else.
Think family vacations, schedule changes, launches, and coaching offerers. I always plan my life before my business, and I love to keep things flexible!
I map out launches, travel, and major projects, but I don’t lock myself into strict dates. The goal is structure AND ease, not pressure.
Next, it’s time for an honest capacity check.
Look at how much you worked last year. What energized you, and what drained you? How did your caseload feel? Did your income truly support your life and your goals?
Your answers here matter. They help you build a business that actually fits YOU, instead of the other way around.
Once you’ve got the big picture, you can set SMART goals that actually work.
Break your goals into doable pieces, and set multiple checkpoints throughout the year. You avoid overwhelm, and actually stay in momentum!
Planning for 2026 isn’t about predicting every moment of your year. It’s about creating a roadmap that keeps you aligned, energized, AND moving toward what you really want.
Whether you’re focused on growing your Instagram, scaling your private practice, or calling in more private-pay clients, I would LOVE to support you!
Send me a DM on Instagram @businessoftherapy, or check out my programs on my website. Cheers to an aligned, intentional, and wildly successful 2026!!
In this episode, Steal My 2026 Planning Process, I cover:
How to start with your “big rocks” to map out your priorities
The importance of planning life before business & allowing room for flexibility
How to honestly assess your capacity
Using the SMART framework to set goals
The power of breaking your goals into smaller milestones throughout the year
Resources & Links:
⭐️ Send me a DM on Instagram @businessoftherapy
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
⭐️ Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
⭐️ Reels Membership
⭐️ Business Coaching Waitlist
⭐️ Free training
⭐️ Caption Guide
Related Episodes:
More about the Business of Therapy podcast:
Are you a passionate therapist that’s burnt out and ready to transition to private pay? You’re asking yourself questions like “how do I build a business?”, “how can I effectively use Instagram to market myself” and “how can I scale a private practice?”
Welcome to the Business of Therapy podcast where we’ll answer those questions and more! Here you’ll find honest conversations about the good and the bad of being a therapist, tactical advice and best practices for marketing yourself on Instagram, and solidarity and community to find your own version of success as a therapist.
Join your host, Kelly McKenna, and her guests as they dive deeper into topics such as navigating burn out, mastering your mindset and boundaries, and tactics and strategies for marketing on Instagram, and more!
Kelly is a licensed therapist and business coach who grew her private practice on Instagram and has helped thousands of other therapists market themselves on social media, and effectively start and scale their private practice.
These episodes will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take action towards your dream of a successful private practice.
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