The negative self talk
I did a c-section a couple of weeks ago (yes, a bulldog, glad you asked), and after an hour at home, the dog somehow had pulled two layers of stitches and came back with some fat hanging out of the incision.
I had finished my shift, so another vet repaired the dog and then told me about it afterwards.
I could literally HEAR my brain panic and wanting to make a big deal out of this.
Our brains are amazing at pointing out everything that's wrong with us, everything we should have done better, and everything we SHOULDN'T have done.
And it's even better at it in the middle of the night when you're supposed to be sleeping, or when you're trying to have family time. Or just before your next consult or surgery ...
Because I’m aware of it now, it’s so much easier and quicker for me to deal with, and create the best possible outcome.
First, be factual:
WHAT exactly happened, and WHY?
HOW can we prevent it from happening again?
REALISE complications can and will occur post op - that’s the whole point of the owners signing a consent form.
REMEMBERING I saved this dog’s and her puppies lives in the first place!!
NOT make it mean anything about me and my value as a veterinarian.
How often do you let your brain hit the runway with all the should or shouldn’t thoughts?
How do you feel when this happens? How do you sleep, or enjoy time with your family? How does it feel going into theatre or consults with those stories running in the background of your mind?
If this happens more often than you’d like (in the first place - are you AWARE of these thoughts?) then you must check out my 12 week programme, specific for veterinarians struggling to find the motivation and starting to feel burnout.
Learn how you can OPT OUT of these thoughts, and start a different conversation with yourself, leading to less burn out, overwhelm and stress.
Book a consultation with me HERE and let’s determine where your biggest blocks are and where you are most stuck and feeling overwhelmed. Afterwards I send you an email telling you the next 2-3 action steps you can take right now, and details about working with me if you'd like the support.
In your corner,
