fbpx
.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;}

012. Sherrie Yuschak, RVT, VTS (behavior), KPA-CTP 

 March 15, 2018

How flexible are you?

I'm not talking about yoga or your physical flexibility.

How flexible are you in terms of examining the results of your behavior and deciding maybe it's time to try something new?

It's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that nothing can or will change. But we can change!

Sherrie Yuschak, RVT and faculty member of the Karen Pryor Academy, talked with Colleen Pelar about having some flexibility in our responses can make us feel happier, healthier, and more in control of our lives. www.colleenpelar.com/13

Sherrie Yuschak, RVT, VTS-Behavior

This week, I talked about flexibility with Sherrie Yuschak, a registered veterinary technician and veterinary technical specialist in behavior, who is on the faculty of the Karen Pryor Academy.

Forty percent of our daily activities are based in habit--things we do without thinking. How's that working out for you?

According to a 2010 Gallup study (by Rath & Harter), there are five essential elements for well-being:

  • Career well-being
  • Social well-being
  • Financial well-being
  • Physical well-being
  • Community well-being

Only 7% of people are flourishing, that is, doing well in all five areas. Sixty-six percent are languishing, doing well in one area. Yikes! That's terrifying. It's definitely time for us to try some new things to find greater satisfaction in all areas of our lives.

Sherrie had lots of thoughts about the benefits and challenges of being flexible in a veterinary clinic or other animal-care workplace where there are so many competing demands on your time, energy, and attention. It takes a bit of courage to try something new and a lot of self-compassion to keep at it when we struggle. There are many benefits to becoming more flexible at work:

  • Increased productivity because you see creative solutions others miss
  • Reduced stress and a greater sense of control
  • Improved communition and responsiveness to others' needs
  • Expanded opportunities by embracing change
  • Better reputation for problem solving and teamwork

In addition to inspiring flexibility and resilience at work, Sherrie is also fostering those traits in her mule, Daisy, who is gradually learning to shape her world through deliberate choices as well. Daisy thinks it's difficult, but worth it. What do you think?

Daisy, the mule


What are your best tips for stretching your comfort zone and trying something new? How do you think being flexible is an asset in an animal hospital or other animal-care workplace?

Share what you do and how it helps you in the comments below.

This post may contain affiliate links. When you click them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that my guests or I have used or have experience with.

You don't have to go it alone.
Here's how we can work together.

Coaching

I help pet pros find the skills, tools, and support systems necessary to feel rejuvenated, reignite their passion, and do the work they're meant to do through coaching and the HYHO weekly support program. 

Learning Labs & Q&As

 Every month we tackle a different topic in our series of deep conversations about  real life. Join other pet pros like you explore new ways to feel stronger and more capable professionally and personally. 

related posts:

Subscribe & Download

Want to get notified of new episodes directly on your phone? Subscribe to our podcast using your favorite app!

Show up for yourself as powerfully as you do for others

Sign up to receive weekly emails with practical tips, science-based strategies, and steady encouragement as well as updates on workshops and other offerings.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>