The Gift of Independence: What I’m Thankful for This Year

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is upon us once again. While this time of year can feel overwhelming with celebrations, parties, school functions, cooking and hosting, I like to set aside time to pause, reflect and give thanks. Owning a business is certainly not always easy, but there’s lot to be proud of. Remembering how you help people is a powerful reminder that your work matters. If the downsides start to dominate, take a beat to think about what you’re thankful for in your business.

Here are just a few things I’m thankful for this holiday season. Can you relate to any?

Loyal patients.

Those who return year after year and refer their friends and family. Seeing the number of patients who followed me from my prior practice to my cold start will never stop warming my heart.

My great team.

Not every day is perfect, but I’m so blessed with the best team in the industry.

Strong vendor relationships

There’s truly no “I” in team! The reps who show up, support and help my practice grow are not only salespeople but business partners and friends. Read how I learned to optimize my vendor relationships to set my practice up for success here.

Local community ties.

Being woven into the fabric of a small town that supports independent business has been amazing. 

Flexible scheduling.

Owning my own business has provided me with the utmost flexibility. I’ve been able to attend sporting events, concerts and take time off for school holidays.

Professional freedom.

Being able to choose your frame lines, lab partners and service philosophy is one of the major benefits of owning an independent practice.

Practice growth.

Watching your business evolve and improve over time is nothing short of amazing. As a cold start, this is especially rewarding!

The optometric community.

Our community of colleagues who support and lift each other up is one of the best parts of this industry. I am blessed with a small group of “accountability partners” who I talk to every day. We share challenges and celebrate successes together.

The joy of a great pair of glasses.

Watching a patient light up when they find the perfect look is one of my favorite parts of the job.

The gift of sight.

It’s easy to overlook what we actually do on a daily basis. Knowing your work genuinely improves lives, every single day is a great reminder of the value and gift we have in this profession. What we do matters!

Owning an independent business can be challenging and frustrating, but it’s also deeply rewarding and motivating. It’s easy to lose sight of the positives in the daily hustle, so pausing to give thanks is a simple way to reset and remember why we do this.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Yours in success,
Jennifer L. Stewart, OD

Read Dr. Stewart’s October Insights here.