b'ARTICLEThis self-knowledge can be a powerfulour experiences, we realise were not anchor when imposter feelings hit. alone. We can support each other in 5. FIND SUPPORT SYSTEMS: Surroundrewriting the stories we tell ourselves and yourself with veterinary colleagues whochallenging the unrealistic standards believe in you and can offer perspectiveweve internalised.when youre doubting yourself. Talk to those who you trust about your worries. As we move forward, its crucial 6. TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME: Breakto start rewriting some of those big veterinary challenges into smaller,pressures weve internalised. Lets manageable steps. Celebrate yourlook at a few common ones in progress along the way. veterinary medicine:7. PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION: Treat1. I SHOULD KNOW EVERYTHING yourself with the same kindness youdInstead, try Its okay not to know offer a fellow vet facing similar doubts. everything. Im committed to lifelong learning in veterinary Remember, its okay to seek additionalmedicine.support. Coaches, mentors, and2. I MUST DO EVERYTHING SOLO therapists can all play valuable roles inReframe this as Collaboration helping you navigate these experiences.makes me and my team stronger. If youre in the veterinary profession,Its okay to ask for help.Vetlife offers confidential support. Its also worth noting that persistent3. I CANT MAKE MISTAKES Change imposter feelings can sometimesthis to Mistakes are opportunities co-occur with other mental healthfor growth, all humans make them.challenges, so dont hesitate to reachI learn from them.out to a medical professional if youre4. I MUST BE PERFECT FROM THE struggling. START Shift to Perfect doesnt One thing Ive learned through my workexist. Its normal to improve with with Vet Empowered and our grouppractice. I give myself permission to programme is the power of communitydevelop my skills over time.in addressing imposter feelings within the veterinary profession. When we areBy reframing these pressures, we open in a safe place and feel able to shareourselves up to a growth mindset, a perspective popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck. Lets also consider the action that aligns with this new reframe.Embracing a growth mindset in veterinary practice means: VIEWING CHALLENGES AS OPPORTUNITIES to learn, not threats to your competenceRecognise that feelingSEEING EFFORT AS A PATH TO MASTERY, like an imposter doesntnot a sign of inadequacyLEARNING FROM CRITICISM instead ofmake you one. Its often ataking it personallysign that you care deeply FINDING INSPIRATION IN OTHERS about your work and wantSUCCESS rather than feeling to do your best for yourthreatened by itRemember, your skills as a veterinary patients and clients. professional are not fixed. You have the capacity to grow, learn, and improve throughout your career. This mindset can be incredibly liberating when experiencing imposter feelings.24www.inspiredvet.co.uk'