Self-reflection can provide lessons, insights, and clarity for the future. As you begin 2020, take time to reflect on the prior year. Was it everything you expected? What challenges are you facing? Are you satisfied and fulfilled in your professional journey? Or do you want a change?
Now is the time many individuals consider New Year’s resolutions. Often these are for one’s physical wellbeing—eat less, exercise more, etc. While these are extremely important, you should also take stock of your overall satisfaction and fulfillment with your career choices.
Ask yourself whether what you are currently doing fulfills you. If it does not, what are you going to do about it? Don’t let the concept of change scare you as much as the prospect of remaining unhappy! As Socrates said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Take charge of your professional journey. It is easy to procrastinate, or to try to convince yourself that you are satisfied and fulfilled, but are you? Even small steps propel you forward. Write an article for your hospital’s social media page or newsletter, present a case at a staff meeting, or pursue an area of veterinary medicine that you are passionate about.
“Don’t let the concept of change scare you as much as the prospect of remaining unhappy!”
This issue of Today’s Veterinary Nurse provides glimpses into a number of areas of veterinary medicine that veterinary nurses can explore. From working in a college of veterinary medicine helping teach future veterinarians, to reminding pet owners about the importance of dental health in pets, to cancer trials and research—the potential is endless.
Envision yourself working in cancer research. The word cancer evokes fear; each of us has either had a battle with cancer or knows someone who has. Imagine working in an area of medicine that helps not only our beloved animal patients but also humans. Our Trends in Veterinary Nursing story, “Working to Find the Cure,” describes our colleagues who are doing just that.
Only you can decide what is fulfilling in your professional journey. The options are limited only by your imagination and work ethic. Today’s Veterinary Nurse brings you a variety of areas in veterinary medicine that you may not have considered. If you want a change, your first step toward fulfillment is to decide that you do not want to stay where you are. Follow your passion and step out of your comfort zone. Once you make this decision, you will start something new. My advice? Believe in the magic of new beginnings.