Hey there, amazing vet humans! 💖✨
It's time to grab a cuppa and dive into something that's super close to our hearts here at Vet Empowered - your attitude and approach when facing challenges in your veterinary career.
In this blog, we are talking about day to day challenges, rather than huge and life changing events.
We also want to take a second to remind you that you don't have to navigate challenges alone, there is always support available.
The Power of Your Approach: More Than Just Positive Thinking
We aren't about toxic positivity BS here, so let's ditch that.
Let's get real for a second.
The situations we face + our response to them = the outcome.
Mind-blowing, right? 🤯
But here's the key thing - while we can't always control the situation we can absolutely choose our approach*.
*And sometimes, because you're human, you might forget. Let's ditch the judgement.
Now, before you think we're going all "just think positive" on you, hold up! This isn't about toxic positivity or ignoring your feelings. We're all about that self-compassion here, and we know that sometimes, things are just plain hard.
But what if we told you that your attitude could be your secret weapon in those tough moments?
Of course, we also have to take a moment first to acknowledge our emotions and regulate them in a way that works for us. Then, deciding on what our attitude and approach is moving forward.
Think about it like this: You're faced with a complex case that's got you stumped.
Approach A is to get drawn into, "I should know this. I'm not good enough. Everyone else would handle this better" and not taking action, or handing the case to a colleague completely, even though its important to you.
Approach B is that you actively choose to breathe and say: "This is challenging, but I've got resources. I can ask for help. Every case teaches me something new" - and putting your energy into finding the people and the information that will help you. (And psst... we might still have the first thoughts that pop up from Approach A, but we put our focus on B)
Which approach do you think is going to lead to a better outcome, not just for the case but for your own wellbeing?
Of course, sometimes, passing a case over is the right thing. Making sense so far?
Ditching the Pressure: You're Human, Not A Machine
First things first, let's call out the elephant in the room - those pressures we put on ourselves. Many of us think we are the only ones that do, but you're not alone. You know the ones:
"I need to know everything!" (you're not the Ettinger textbook)
"I can't ask for help; I've been qualified for X years!" (this is a myth)
"I should be able to do this on my own!" (we ALWAYS need support)
"Everyone else seems to have it all together." (spoiler; they don't)
"I should be able to handle this workload without feeling stressed." (you're human)
Sound familiar? Well, it's time to show those thoughts the door. 🚪
Here's the truth bomb:
You're human, not superhuman. And you know what?
That's not just okay, it's awesome!
And, side note: even Superman spent most of his life as Clark Kent.
Being human means you get to learn, grow, make mistakes, ask for help, and continually evolve in your career. It means you have the incredible ability to connect with your clients and patients on a personal level, to feel empathy, and to celebrate the wins (big and small).
Remember, even the most experienced vets don't know everything. The field of veterinary medicine is vast and ever-changing. Embracing that fact and being open to continuous learning is what makes you an excellent professional, not knowing everything right off the bat.
Embracing a Growth Mindset: Your New Best Friend
Enter the growth mindset!
This little gem is about to become your new best friend (sorry to all of those animals you've adopted from work, now they've got competition).
The idea of a growth mindset is the work of Dr. Carol Dweck from Stanford University. It embraces the fact that we are all capable of growing through a process, rather than either being inherently good (or rubbish) at something. It adds flexibility, rather than so much all or nothing thinking. You can GROW.
A growth mindset reminds us that it's okay to be a beginner, to make mistakes, and to learn as we go. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and trust us, that's where the magic happens. It's the difference between thinking "I'm not good at orthopaedic surgery" and "I'm not good at orthopedic surgery....yet", or more Vet Empowered "I'm improving every day at my orthopaedic surgery".
But how do we actually embrace this mindset in our day-to-day work? Here are some practical tips:
Celebrate your efforts, not just your successes. Did you try a new technique today? Give yourself some conscious acknowledgement.
View challenges as opportunities to learn. Tricky case? Time to learn something new, and dare to seek support.
Use the word "yet" more often. "I haven't mastered this procedure... yet."
Seek feedback and see it as a gift, not a criticism.
See what others are doing as inspiring, rather than a threat. There's plenty of success to go around.
Having a growth mindset is like a muscle, it grows the more you flex it.
Your Resourcefulness Toolkit: Because You've Got This
Now, let's talk about being resourceful.
Being resourceful is under-rated skill of the century.
Whilst everyone else is aiming to know everything and be perfect - come and join us in the camp of being resourceful. It's awesome.
Use everything available to you.
Here's a task:
We want you to create a little "resource card" - think of it as your personal cheat sheet for those moments when you need a boost. It's like having a little bit of Vet Empowered in your pocket at all times (minus glitter and enthusiasm overload).
Here's what to include:
Work support:
List referral centers and their contact details
Nutrition company helplines
Online resources like VIN, clinician's brief, or your favourite evidence-based websites
Colleagues or mentors you can reach out to
Helpful apps or calculators (like that lifesaving chocolate toxicity calculator!)
Personal support:
Friends who get the vet life and can offer a listening ear
Mentors or coaches who can provide guidance
Helplines like Vetlife (UK: 0303 040 2551) for those times when you need professional support. Remember the NHS now offer mental health support via 111 in the UK too.
Your favourite inspirational social media accounts or podcasts
Self-care strategies:
Quick meditation apps or techniques (have you tried box breathing?)
Your go-to stress-relief activity (maybe a walk, a favorite song, or some desk yoga?)
Inspirational quotes that lift you up
Reminders of your 'why' - why you became a vet in the first place
Remember, this isn't about having all the answers - it's about knowing where to find them when you need them. It's about reminding yourself that you have a whole network of support and resources at your fingertips.
Curiosity Over Criticism: Be Your Own Best Friend
Yes, this feels weird when we're not used to it.
It also takes practice.
Let's make a pact, shall we? Next time you're facing a challenge, whether it's a difficult case, a communication issue, or just one of those days where everything seems to be going wrong, try approaching it with curiosity instead of criticism.
Instead of thinking, "I should know this," or "I'm not good enough," try asking yourself:
"What can I learn from this situation?"
"How can I approach this differently next time?"
"What support do I need right now?"
"If my best friend were in this situation, what would I say to them?"
It's amazing how a simple shift in perspective can open up new possibilities.
And remember, you'd never speak to a colleague or friend the way that inner critic speaks to you. Remember, its messages are outdated and not based on fact. We can re-write the story and have a different conversation with those storylines.
You deserve the same kindness and understanding you so readily give to others.
Your Unique Life: There's No One-Size-Fits-All in Vet Med
Here's the thing, lovely humans - you are all on your own unique paths.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating this profession, and that's what makes it exciting!
Some of you might be all about loving life as a clinical GP, finding the rota that works for you and embracing all parts of you.
Others might be exploring telemedicine, or branching out into industry roles.
Maybe you're passionate about wildlife conservation, or you're thinking about starting your own mobile practice.
Whatever your path, remember that it's YOURS. You don't have to follow anyone else's blueprint for success.
Whether you're pivoting, diversifying, or just trying to find more joy in your day-to-day, remember that you are capable of creating the career and life you want.
And if you're feeling stuck or unsure?
That's okay too.
Everyone has times like that, and there's support out there if you need it.
Take a breath, revisit your 'why', and don't be afraid to explore new possibilities.
Pssst... we are here to help at Vet Empowered too.
Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan for Empowered Practice
So, how do we take all of this and put it into action? Here's your empowered practice action plan:
Create your resource card. Take some time this week to put together your personalised toolkit. Make it pretty, make it fun, and keep it somewhere easily accessible.
Practice a growth mindset daily. Start each day by setting a growth-oriented intention. Maybe it's "Today, I'm open to learning something new" or "I embrace challenges as opportunities to grow."
Choose curiosity. When you feel that inner critic piping up, pause and ask yourself, "What would curiosity look like in this situation?"
Celebrate your efforts. At the end of each day, acknowledge three things you did that required effort, regardless of the outcome.
Connect with your support system. Reach out to a colleague, mentor, or friend regularly. Remember, you're not in this alone! There are also lots of awesome professionals ready to help you if you need it.
Prioritise self-care. It's not selfish, it's necessary. Schedule it in like you would any other important appointment.
Reflect on how far you've come. Take time periodically to look back on how far you've come. You've accomplished more than you realise!
Wrapping It Up: You've Got This!
So, the next time you're faced with a tricky case, a new challenge, or a moment of self-doubt, take a deep breath and remember:
You've got this. You're more capable than you know.
It's okay to ask for help. In fact, it's a sign of strength and wisdom.
Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Embrace the learning journey.
Your approach can make all the difference. Choose curiosity and compassion.
You're exactly where you need to be on your unique path.
You are a valuable human, and we believe in you 100%. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep being the amazing person that you are. 💖✨
Remember, at Vet Empowered, we're always here cheering you on. You've got this, and we've got you!
Now, go forth and be the empowered, compassionate, growth-minded vet pro we know you are. The veterinary world is lucky to have you!