In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise, discusses the importance of time blocking and intentional focus to increase productivity and reduce overwhelm. 

She emphasizes the need to evaluate and eliminate non-essential tasks from the to-do list, and shares her personal experience of using time blocking to complete a stack of 19 medical records efficiently. 

Dr. Wise encourages veterinary professionals to challenge the belief that there is not enough time to make progress on tasks. She highlights the benefits of time blocking and intentional focus, including increased productivity and reduced stress.








Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise emphasizes the importance of continuing to make efforts even when we don't see immediate results, using a personal story about befriending a feral cat to illustrate the point. 

Dr. Wise encourages listeners to have faith that their efforts are accumulating beneath the surface and that eventually, their desired outcomes will become a reality. 

She concludes by reminding listeners that their only job is to take the first step and continue persevering through the journey, as this is the key to achieving their goals.

Key Takeaways:

1. It is importance to persevere on the journey toward achieving goals.
2. We must embrace discomfort and uncertainty in order to experience personal growth.
3. Taking the first step and continuing the journey even when we don't see evidence of our efforts is the key to achieving desired outcomes.

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

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Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode Dr. Cari Wise shares about the concept of resistance and its impact on our ability to pursue activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. 

She defines resistance as the internal pushback we experience when we want to do something but struggle to take action and provides examples, such as wanting to spend more time on a hobby or becoming more physically fit, but finding excuses or lacking motivation to follow through. 

Dr. Wise explains that resistance often leads to self-judgment, shame, and frustration; but that resistance is a normal and natural response, particularly when it comes to activities that are not considered productive by societal standards. 

She challenges the belief that work and responsibilities should always be prioritized over self-care and hobbies, and encourages listeners to prioritize activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. 

She warns that resistance arises when we try to break the habit of not engaging in activities we enjoy, and that our brains are wired to resist change and reminds us that resistance is not a sign of failure or weakness, but rather a natural response to breaking old habits and forming new ones. 

Dr. Wise advises listeners to push through resistance and take the first step towards engaging in activities they desire, as even dedicating a few minutes to the desired activity can often overcome resistance, lead to enjoyment, and are essential for achieving balance and alignment in our live.

By taking control of our choices and pushing through resistance, we can improve our overall well-being and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Resistance is the internal pushback we experience when we want to do something but struggle to take action.
2. Resistance often leads to self-judgment, shame, and frustration.
3. Society tends to prioritize work and responsibilities over hobbies, self-care, and activities that bring us joy.
4. Resistance arises when we try to break the habit of not engaging in activities we enjoy.
5. Resistance is not a sign of failure or weakness, but rather a natural response to breaking old habits and forming new ones.
6. Building new habits takes time and effort, and it is important to be patient and compassionate with ourselves during this process.
7. Pushing through resistance and taking the first step towards engaging in desired activities can often overcome resistance.
8. Prioritizing activities that bring us joy and fulfillment is essential for achieving balance and alignment in our lives.
9. Personal well-being is not solely dependent on careers, and individuals can improve their overall well-being and quality of life by taking control of their choices and pushing through resistance.

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the issue of bullying in veterinary organizations.

She defines bullying as adverse behavior exhibited by veterinary professionals towards their colleagues, such as being short-tempered, avoiding conversations, making backhanded comments, and setting others up for failure. 

Dr. Wise emphasizes that bullying is often perpetuated by individuals in leadership positions, such as shift leads, office managers, owners, or senior veterinarians. 

The lack of business and leadership training in veterinary medicine is highlighted as a contributing factor to the prevalence of bullying. 

The consequences of bullying in veterinary medicine are discussed, including the formation of cliques and divisions within the workplace.  Dr. Wise advises listeners to leave toxic environments if their concerns are not taken seriously or if their morals, ethics, and values are compromised. 

Veterinary professionals are urged to interact with each other from a place of courage rather than fear and to speak up when witnessing bullying. The importance of building supportive cultures in the veterinary profession for the benefit of all is emphasized.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bullying in veterinary organizations is a prevalent issue, often perpetuated by individuals in leadership positions.
• Bullying is driven by insecurity and a desire for power and control.
• Leadership positions come with the responsibility to treat everyone equally and evaluations should be based on clear criteria.
• The lack of business and leadership training in veterinary medicine contributes to the prevalence of bullying.
• It is important to leave toxic environments if concerns are not taken seriously or if morals, ethics, and values are compromised.
• Veterinary professionals should interact with each other from a place of courage and speak up when witnessing bullying.
• Building supportive cultures in the veterinary profession is crucial for the benefit of all.

veterinary medicine, veterinarian, joyful dvm, veterinary technician, vet tech, vet life, vet life academy, joy vet alliance, emotional gatekeeping 

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise talks about the grounding force that birds provide in her life and encourages listeners to find their own grounding anchors. Dr. Wise explains how birds bring her back to what is real and help her navigate the chaos of the world. She encourages listeners to identify their own grounding items or activities and reminds them that veterinary medicine is just one part of their journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Veterinary professionals often lose sight of their value and try to find self-worth through external validation.
• By intentionally shifting their focus and identifying their anchors, individuals can reconnect with their true selves and experience the fullness of life.

Website:  https://joyfuldvm.com

Vet Life Academy:  http://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

VetMed; JOY CLUB: https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In the first episode of the Joyful DVM podcast in 2024, Dr. Cari Wise addresses the issue of client shaming by veterinary professionals on social media. She emphasizes that blaming clients for the stress of the veterinary profession is not productive. 

The habit of client shaming, particularly in relation to euthanasia, is discussed. 

Dr. Wise expresses concern about a specific post that shamed clients for not staying with their pets during euthanasia. She argues that it is not the place of veterinary professionals to judge clients' choices and that staying or not staying during euthanasia does not reflect the level of care a client has for their pet. 

She reminds us of the importance of helping people as well as animals and urges veterinary professionals to be mindful of the impact of their words and actions on social media, and to consider the impact of their words on building (and breaking) trust with clients.

Dr. Wise encourages self-reflection and understanding of one's own motives when expressing opinions. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Blaming clients for stress in the veterinary profession is not productive.
2. Staying or not staying with a pet during euthanasia does not reflect the level to which a client cares for their animal. 
3. Judgmental posts hinder the ability to help animals by creating doubt and mistrust in the minds of pet owners.
4. Individual choices and opinions are powerful, but forcing them onto others is not productive.
5. Self-reflection and understanding of one's own motives when expressing opinions is encouraged.
6. Respect for the choices of others and recognizing that there are many factors that play into decisions about euthanasia is important.
7. Judgment only fosters mistrust, and it is crucial to think before posting harsh opinions on social media.

Website:  https://joyfuldvm.com

Vet Life Academy:  http://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

VetMed; JOY CLUB: https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Wise shares the importance of prioritizing downtime in the veterinary profession. She explains that without regular downtime, individuals become stuck in a repetitive cycle, lacking the opportunity to create a different life experience.

Downtime allows for the exploration of emotions and desires, which can lead to personal growth and the realization of a more fulfilling life. However, many veterinary professionals struggle with downtime, as they often spend their days off decompressing from work-related stress and anxiety. 

Dr. Wise encourages veterinary professionals to prioritize self-care and emotional management to break free from this cycle and create a more balanced and fulfilling life. 

She also highlights the need for emotional well-being education in professional programs to support individuals in high-stress careers. 

Ultimately, she encourages individuals to take the time to plan for their future and give themselves permission to want more in life.

Key Takeaways:
1. Downtime is important in the veterinary profession to allow for creativity and personal growth.
2. Without regular downtime, individuals can become stuck in a repetitive cycle.
3. Many veterinary professionals struggle with downtime and spend their days o3f decompressing from work-related stress.
4. Learning to manage emotions and prioritize self-care is crucial for breaking free from the cycle of stress and anxiety.
5. Emotional well-being education in professional programs can support individuals in high-stress careers.
6. Prioritizing downtime allows for rest, rejuvenation, self-reflection, creativity, and pursuit of personal goals.
7. Taking the time to plan for the future and embracing personal growth can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life in and outside of the veterinary profession.

Resources Mentioned:
Vet Life Academy https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode Dr. Cari Wise discusses five important questions to ask oneself before the start of a new year. 

These questions are meant to help individuals create something bigger and more expansive for themselves in 2024 or as they begin any new journey. 

The first question is about recognizing and acknowledging the successes from the previous year. The second question focuses on identifying discouragements or regrets from the previous year. The third question delves into the excuses individuals make for not achieving their goals. 

The fourth question prompts individuals to evaluate if they want the next year to be similar to the previous one. 

The fifth and final question focuses on the willingness to do the inner work necessary to create something different.

Dr. Wise emphasizes the importance of doing the inner work and taking control of one's future.

Key Takeaways

1. It is important to recognize and acknowledge the successes in all aspects of life.
2. Identifying and releasing discouragements or regrets can allow for a fresh start.
3. Being honest with oneself and identifying excuses for unaccomplished goals is crucial for personal growth.
4. Doing the inner work, understanding oneself, and changing perspective can create positive change in life.
5. Happiness and wellbeing come from knowing one's power and taking control of one's future.
6. Letting go of societal expectations and focusing on what truly matters is important for personal fulfillment.

Resources: 

Website:  https://joyfuldvm.com

Vet Life Academy:  http://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

VetMed; JOY CLUB: https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode Dr. Cari Wise discusses the challenges that veterinary professionals face when diagnostic testing comes back negative or normal.

She shares a recent personal experience of feeling shame and self-judgment when expensive diagnostic testing came back normal , and explains that this is a common reaction among veterinarians when tests don't provide the expected answers.

Dr. Wise emphasizes the importance of recognizing and challenging our own money stories and releasing self-judgment and control.

She encourages veterinary professionals to get curious about their own emotional experiences, the stories they tell themselves, in order to shift their experiences in the moment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Veterinary professionals often feel shame and self-judgment when diagnostic tests come back negative or normal.
2. The connection between money and self-worth in our society contributes to self-judgement and shame.
3. Veterinarians create opportunity when they recognize and challenge their own money stories.
4. Veterinarians are not responsible for the outcome of diagnostic tests, but rather provide options and recommendations.
5. Not having an answer at a certain point in the diagnostic process is normal in veterinary medicine.
6. Even if tests are normal, they can still rule out many potential issues and bring peace of mind to the client.
7. Discomfort and fear are part of the human experience and should be acknowledged and explored.
8. Letting go of the need for control and accepting that not every case will have a clear answer can bring peace and fulfillment in the veterinary profession.

Website:  https://joyfuldvm.com

Vet Life Academy:  https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademuy

VetMed; JOY CLUB: https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise explores the concept of avoidance culture and how humans have a tendency to try to control and avoid uncomfortable emotions. 

This behavior is rooted in our evolutionary past, where avoiding discomfort was necessary for survival. However, in the modern world, there are very few truly dangerous things that we need to avoid. 

Despite this, we still spend a significant amount of time and energy trying to avoid uncomfortable emotions and control situations that could potentially lead to discomfort. 

Dr. Wise emphasizes that discomfort is not always a sign of danger and encourages listeners to ask themselves what they are afraid of. By delving into the root of their discomfort, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their fears and begin to let go of the need to control and avoid discomfort. 

She also advises questioning the lies we believe and focusing on what is true in order to shift our perspective and change our experience of any situation. By paying attention to negative emotions and identifying the lies we believe, we can redirect our focus to what is true and alleviate the pressure we feel. 

Overall, Dr. Wise highlights the prevalence of avoidance culture and the detrimental effects it has on our lives, and suggests that by challenging the lies we believe, we can let go of the need to try to control circumstances and avoid uncomfortable emotions and experience life more fully.

Key takeaways:

1. Humans have a tendency to control and avoid uncomfortable emotions, which is rooted in our evolutionary past.
2. In ancient times, avoiding discomfort was necessary for survival, but in the modern world, there are very few truly dangerous things that we need to avoid.
3. Constantly avoiding uncomfortable emotions keeps us busy and distracted, preventing us from fully experiencing positive emotions and enjoying our lives.
4. Feeling uncomfortable is not necessarily a sign of immediate danger or a problem that needs to be solved.
5. By asking ourselves "What am I afraid of?" we can gain a deeper understanding of our fears and let go of the need to control and avoid discomfort.
6. Negative emotions are offshoots of fear, and by questioning the lies we believe and focusing on what is true, we can shift our perspective and change our experience of any situation.
7. Paying attention to negative emotions and identifying the lies we believe can help alleviate the pressure we feel and make each day easier to navigate.
8. By recognizing that discomfort is not always a sign of danger and challenging the lies we believe, we can let go of the need to control and avoid uncomfortable emotions, allowing us to experience life more fully and enjoy positive emotions.

Website:  https://joyfuldvm.com

Vet Life Academy:  https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademuy

VetMed; JOY CLUB: https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay