Prioritizing Your Sanity: How Vets Can Stop the Endless To-Do List
I realise that's a quite personal question 😹
How quickly can you pee?
"I just quickly need to send this text"
"I just quickly have to finish these notes"
"I'll just quickly pee"
The "I'll just quickly..." was my standard start of any sentence describing any activity I wanted to do - FOR YEARS.
Because it felt like I was free sliding, having an enormous list of things to do, and if I could "just quickly" tick another one off my list THEN I could relax a bit and the sliding would stop.
Only, when you're a high achiever, perfectionist and wanting to please EVERYONE (like most vets I know) ...
...ALL the items on my imaginary list would swirl around in my brain, taking turns popping into my consciousness and compete for my attention, making it impossible to prioritise and get a perspective.
You HAVE to deal with busyness from your BRAIN, not trying to finish everything physically. In the veterinary clinic there most often ISN'T an end-time where everything is tied up in a nice, finishing bow.
You CAN'T get to that elusive sense of achievement and DONE for the day feeling without dealing with your thoughts.
Because you're such an amazing, high-achieving and imaginative vet - your brain will find MORE SHIT TO DO!!
Write down the things you think you HAVE to do.
Then, QUESTION and DECIDE:
Do I really want to do all this? What can I delete? No, REALLY?
Prioritise, making a really conscious decision and questioning the perceived urgency your brain will offer you.
Delegate. Like crazy. Everything does NOT have to be done your way.
Then, when your brain comes up with the next item it thinks you should absolutely do right now, answer it, take your pick what feels best to say:
No, we don't need to do that right now.
We're good for now.
That can absolutely wait.
We'll get it done, just not now.
We'll do it... (and then schedule it in your calendar)
We don't need to do that - at all. It's not our job.
How would you feel being able to actually consistently leaving the clinic on time?
The "I'll just quickly..." cycle is exhausting, and it is not a sustainable way to live and work. If you are tired of the constant mental spin, the never ending to-do lists, and the feeling that you are never truly "done," you don't have to figure it out alone.
You can break the cycle of busyness without lowering your standards of care.
I offer single, 1-on-1 coaching sessions specifically designed for veterinarians who need immediate relief from a specific area of burnout or perfectionism. We won’t spend months exploring theory; we will look at exactly what is triggering your need to over-function, and we will build a practical, actionable plan to stop it.
"Stop trying to do more, and start deciding what to do less."
Let’s clear your days, together.
If you’re ready to stop the "just one more thing" slide and re-findyour peace of mind, then one hour with me could be the difference between another year of burnout and finally feeling in control of your day.
Limited spots available for single-session bookings. Click above to view my calendar and choose a time that works for you.
In your corner,
Ready to fall back in love with Vet Med?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or doubting yourself — I get it. I've been there. Here's how I can help:
- Book a Free 50-Minute Coaching Session — Let's chat about where you are and where you want to be. Book here
- Download the Free Burnout Guide — 10 ways to overcome burnout in the veterinary clinic. Get it here
- Explore the Happy in Vet Med Programme — Beat burnout and imposter syndrome. Learn more
You don't have to do this alone.