When I first opened my veterinary clinic, I wore all the hats. I was the veterinarian, the receptionist, the manager, the HR department, and even the person who picked out the uniforms. It was my baby, and I believed that no one could care for it the way I could. Sound familiar?
At first, I convinced myself this was the price of success—working late nights, handling every detail, and making sure everything was done my way. But deep down, I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and frustrated.
And when I did try to let go of tasks, it didn’t go well.
Learning the Hard Way
One of my earliest attempts at delegating was a complete disaster. I passed off a few administrative tasks to team members, only to have them come back incomplete or not done the way I wanted. My frustration boiled over, and I thought, “This is why I have to do everything myself”. So, I took those tasks back, adding even more to my already overflowing plate.
But looking back, the real problem wasn’t them—it was me. I didn’t know how to delegate correctly. I didn’t give clear instructions, I micromanaged when I should have trusted, and I failed to equip my team with the tools they needed to succeed.
The Turning Point
One moment stands out vividly in my mind. I had spent hours flipping through catalogs and websites trying to decide what uniforms our receptionists should wear. I carefully chose what I thought was the perfect design and proudly presented it to them. But instead of excitement, I got lukewarm responses.
To make matters worse, the receptionists took it upon themselves to research other options and brought me their suggestions. I was immediately offended. I thought, “This is MY clinic. I made the decision, and they should just accept it”.
I ignored their suggestions and ordered the uniforms I had chosen. The result? They wore them, but they weren’t happy with them—and deep down, neither was I.
Looking back, I cringe at how much time I wasted on that decision. Not only was it a distraction from the things I should have been focusing on, but it also caused unnecessary tension with my team.
Fast Forward to Today
Contrast that story with something that happened this year. My receptionists told me they wanted new chairs for the waiting area. Instead of diving into catalogs and obsessing over the details, I handed them my credit card and gave them just two rules:
All the chairs had to match.
They all had to agree.
That’s it.
They had a blast researching options, testing chairs at stores, and meeting up on weekends to make the decision. When they finally made their purchase, they chose chairs that were far less expensive than I would have picked—and they’re thrilled with them.
Here’s the best part: I didn’t spend a single minute on the decision. They’re happy because they got exactly what they wanted, and I’m happy because I had the mental space to focus on things that truly matter to my practice.
Why Letting Go is So Hard
I know firsthand how difficult it can be to give up control. Your practice is your baby. What if they don’t do it the way you would? What if they make mistakes? What if they don’t care as much as you do?
These fears are valid, but here’s what I’ve learned:
Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow—not reasons to take everything back into your own hands.
They may not do it your way, but they might do it better. My receptionists picked chairs that were more comfortable and affordable than anything I would’ve chosen myself.
Your sanity is worth the trade-off. When you let go of the tasks that drain you, you free up mental and emotional energy for the things you’re truly passionate about.
The Bigger Picture
Outsourcing and delegating aren’t just about saving time. They are about empowering your team to take ownership, creating space for you to focus on your core strengths, and growing your practice in ways you never thought possible.
It’s also about taking care of yourself. When you stop trying to do everything, you’ll find more freedom, flexibility, and joy—not just in your practice, but in your life.
Are You Ready to Let Go?
I know how overwhelming it can feel to take the first step. But trust me—learning how to outsource and delegate correctly will transform your practice and your life.
If you need help, I have a resource for you. My Outsourcing and Delegating course is designed specifically for veterinary practice owners and managers who are ready to break free from the overwhelm. You’ll learn how to delegate effectively, empower your team, and reclaim your time and sanity.
Check it out here if you’re ready to take the next step.
You don’t have to do it all. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s make it easier together.