Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Owning a Private Practice: How to Stay Grounded Through the Ups and Downs
Starting and running a private practice is not only a financial investment; it’s also an emotional one. As a private practice owner, you’ll experience some of the highest highs and the lowest lows of your professional career. But while the rewards are great, the emotional toll can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this post, we’ll discuss how to stay grounded during the emotional rollercoaster of owning a private practice and how to navigate the inevitable ups and downs with grace and resilience.
1. Acknowledge the Emotional Rollercoaster: The first step in staying grounded is acknowledging the emotional journey you’re on. Owning a private practice is unlike working for someone else—it requires a level of ownership and responsibility that can lead to moments of stress, self-doubt, excitement, frustration, and elation. You’ll face challenges like patient cancellations, slow growth periods, administrative headaches, and at times, imposter syndrome. But you’ll also experience moments of triumph—patients whose lives you’ve impacted, a fully booked calendar, or achieving a financial milestone. Acknowledging that this emotional ride is part of the process will help you manage your reactions better.
2. Build Emotional Resilience: One of the best ways to stay grounded as a private practice owner is by building emotional resilience. Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt to stressful situations and bounce back from adversity. To build resilience, it’s important to:
Practice self-awareness: Recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed and take proactive steps to address it.
Develop a support network: Surround yourself with other business owners, mentors, and therapists who can relate to your struggles.
Seek therapy or supervision: Don’t shy away from talking to a mental health professional or a colleague. Regularly processing your emotions with someone you trust will help you clear your mind and make decisions with a calm, focused outlook.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: As you go through the inevitable ups and downs of private practice ownership, don’t forget to celebrate your victories—no matter how small they may seem. Did you finally create a system for managing your appointments? Did you land your first high-paying client? Did you get a glowing review? Celebrate it! Celebrating small wins will help you stay motivated and focused on the progress you’re making, even when things feel tough. These moments of recognition can be a powerful antidote to burnout and self-doubt.
4. Stay Connected with Your Why: When the going gets tough, reconnecting with the reason why you started your practice in the first place can reignite your passion. Your “why” might be to create a space for healing, to offer specialized care that’s missing in your community, or to create financial freedom for your family. Whatever it is, remind yourself daily of your purpose. Keeping that bigger picture in mind will help you persevere through moments of frustration or fatigue.
5. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: It’s easy to compare yourself to other successful practice owners, but remember that every business has its unique journey. Just because someone else’s practice is thriving doesn’t mean yours isn’t too. Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which can further exacerbate the emotional rollercoaster. Focus on your path, and trust that you’re moving forward in your own time.
6. Practice Self-Care Regularly: As a private practice owner, you are constantly giving to others—whether it’s to your clients, your staff, or your business. However, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make self-care a priority. Whether it’s daily exercise, meditation, hobbies, or simply taking a break, taking care of yourself allows you to maintain the energy and emotional resilience needed to manage your business. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your long-term success.
The emotional rollercoaster of private practice ownership is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By building emotional resilience, staying connected with your purpose, and practicing self-care, you can navigate the highs and lows with a sense of balance and clarity. If you’re ready to build a strong emotional foundation for your practice, seek mentorship and support. It’s okay to not have it all figured out—and having a support system makes the journey much easier.
P.S. The first step is often the hardest, but I’ve got you covered. If you want to accelerate your journey, join my mentorship program where we break down every step for you. Let’s make this year your year to launch!