#196: Being Offended

The Joyful DVM Podcast: Empowering Veterinary Professionals

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the concept of getting offended, particularly when clients do not follow veterinary recommendations. She emphasizes the importance of detaching from outcomes beyond one's control to avoid frustration and offense.

She highlights the need to separate ego from the ability to serve, as clients are not obligated to follow recommendations, challenges the belief that success is tied to external validation, and stresses the importance of self-confidence and courage in professional interactions.

She advises listeners to recognize and address feelings of offense, which often stem from personalizing others' behaviors. She encourages focusing on controllable aspects such as beliefs, emotions, and actions to achieve wellbeing.

Key takeaways:

1. Detachment from Outcomes: Dr. Wise emphasizes the importance of detaching from outcomes beyond one's control, such as client decisions, to avoid frustration and offense.
2. Separation of Ego and Service: It's crucial to separate one's ego from the ability to serve, understanding that clients are not obligated to follow recommendations.
3. Self-Confidence and Courage: Success should not be tied to external validation. Instead, self-confidence and courage in professional interactions are essential.
4. Addressing Feelings of Offense: Feelings of offense often stem from personalizing others' behaviors. Recognizing and addressing these feelings is important.
5. Focus on Controllables: Focus on what one can control, including beliefs, emotions, and actions, to achieve wellbeing.
6. Self-Acceptance and Compassion: Self-acceptance and compassion are powerful tools in overcoming insecurities and fear-based emotions.
7. Responsibility for Wellbeing: Interrupt the narrative of blaming others for offense and take responsibility for personal wellbeing.
8. Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Leveraging the space within oneself is key for personal growth and lasting fulfillment.

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay