The Evolved Vets

19. Practicing, Not Perfecting with Geoffrey van Zijl

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Important Disclaimer

This episode contains open and honest discussion about addiction, mental health challenges, and suicide within veterinary medicine. These topics may be triggering for some listeners.

If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide:

  • In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free and confidential).

  • You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org

  • If you are outside the U.S., find international hotlines at https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

    • You are not alone. Help is available.

    Episode Description

    In this episode, we sit down with Geoffrey, an ER veterinary technician of nearly 20 years and the creator behind @aintdoingright. Geoffrey shares his personal journey through burnout, addiction recovery, and rebuilding joy in veterinary medicine.

    We explore the gray area of practicing medicine, the traps of perfectionism, and the importance of accountability buddies and mentors. Geoffrey also shares his tools for “shift shedding,” why fun and vulnerability matter, and how small daily improvements can change everything.

    If you’ve ever felt weighed down by VetMed’s intensity, this conversation offers hope, humor, and practical tools to help you move forward with more compassion for yourself and your team.

    Resources Mentioned

    • Atomic Habits by James Clear

    • Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris

    • 75 Hard Program (mental strength and daily habits challenge)

    • The Evolved Vets Shift Shedding

      • Contact Geoffrey

      📸 Instagram: @aintdoingright
      🤝 Open invite to say hi at conferences and in DMs (he checks requests)

      Join The Evolved Vets Community

      📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets
      📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets
      🌐 Website & Membership: evolvedvets.com

      Let’s evolve together! 💙

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      The Evolved VetsBy Anna Foster and Bethany Weinheimer