The Pressure to Be Perfect: Understanding and Overcoming Perfectionism in Practice
Watch here: Join Vets for Climate Action for our July Masterclass to hear from Dr Gary Turnbull on "The Pressure to Be Perfect: Understanding and Overcoming Perfectionism in Practice".
Dr Gary Turnbull of the Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business explores the various types of perfectionism and the challenges they pose within the veterinary setting. Strategies for managing perfectionistic tendencies in ones self and others will be presented.
In this thought-provoking and refreshingly honest Masterclass, Gary explores what perfectionism really is – far beyond the interview cliché, and how it’s quietly shaping the way we lead, the way we work, and the way we relate to others (and ourselves).
Be honest – have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just a bit of a perfectionist,” as if it’s some kind of noble trait?You’re not alone. In fact, perfectionism is often worn like a badge of honour in our profession, a sign of high standards and commitment. But what if it’s also holding you back?
What if that pressure to get everything just right – every record, every client interaction, every decision – is quietly fuelling exhaustion, anxiety, or even burnout? This Masterclass will be a conversation that gets right to the heart of this.
This session will help you:
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Understand the hidden dimensions of perfectionism – and why it’s not just about “having high standards.”
- Recognise how it might be impacting your time management, team dynamics, or ability to switch off.
- Discover practical steps to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion, and why it matters more than ever.
Whether you’re managing a team, juggling clinical decisions, or just feeling like
nothing you do is quite good enough, this Masterclass is for you. It’s not about lowering the bar. It’s about letting go of the impossible one.
About the Presenter:
Dr Gary Turnbull is a highly recognised and respected presenter, coach and facilitator in the fields of veterinary practice leadership and management, as well as veterinary business strategy. With a special interest in personal leadership, inter-personal communications, and non-clinical professional mastery, Gary presents on these topics across Australia, New Zealand, south-east Asia, and North America regularly. Gary has dedicated 20 years of his veterinary career working as a companion animal clinician and Director of East Port Veterinary Hospital, a multi-award-winning ASAV accredited Hospital of Excellence. He is a first-class honours graduate from the University of Sydney.
"Many veterinary professionals cite their biggest weakness to be 'a bit of a perfectionist'. Whilst this is often worn as a badge of honour and thought of as a ‘helpful flaw’, it can severely compromise a clinician’s well-being, resilience, productivity and workplace relationships".