Being a veterinarian means being a scientist, healer, and therapist all at once. But trying to do it all is sabotaging our mental health.
We call ourselves “perfectionists”, as if that was a badge of honor. Perfectionism helps us succeed, avoid criticism, and earn acceptance and respect from others. So, what’s wrong with that?
The answer is the difference between healthy striving to improve, vs. striving for perfection because we need it to feel safe. Healthy striving allows room for failure without self-criticism. But to a perfectionist… failure is proof of unworthiness.
Perfectionism eats away at our wellbeing. It feeds anxiety, turbo-charges imposter syndrome, erodes self-worth and drags us straight into burnout. Trying to achieve impossible standards leaves us drained and demoralized.
A healthy pursuit of excellence can lead to success, but it has real consequences if it becomes perfectionism:
* Anxiety and Stress: The fear of making mistakes, and the ever-present possibility of something going wrong becomes a direct threat to our value at work.
* Burnout: Insistence on high standards is emotionally and physically exhausting. We deplete ourselves, and lose our passion for our work.
* Poor Self-Worth: When your value depends on achieving perfection, any uncertainty triggers feelings of “I’m not good enough”.
* Impaired Decision-Making: Veterinarians preoccupied with avoiding mistakes may become hesitant or indecisive, affecting patient care.
* Fear of Seeking Help: Perfectionists may fear that asking for help will make them look weak or incompetent.
Breaking free from the perfectionist trap:
* Challenge Negative Thoughts: Self-criticism is the driving force behind perfectionists.
* Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. It’s unfair to hold yourself to a higher standard than you expect from others.
* Focus on What You Can Control: When dealing with living creatures, things don’t always go as planned. But you’re not responsible for the outcome. You’re only responsible for the effort.
* Embrace Imperfection: Mistakes are valuable lessons we never forget. They’re also vital opportunities for growth.
* Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, coach, or therapist about your perfectionism. Having support is a game-changer.
Even the best veterinarians aren’t perfect. Your compassion, dedication, and willingness to learn is what makes you the kind of doctor your clients want. Embracing self-compassion and support can make our profession healthier and more sustainable.
Need help taming your inner Perfectionist? Claim your free strategy call!
❤️ Natalie
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