Why We're All Gryffindors

Harry Potter has been there for me in a way few fictional characters have. When life gets tough and I need a break from the toughness, I need something all consuming to distract me and Harry and crew provide that.

Also, in that whole “which 3 fictional characters are you” thing that went around social media a while back, I’m like 25% Hermione and 75% Leslie Knope. (I never posted that because is says “which THREE” and I’m a rule follower, obvi.) Anyway, that’s to say it’s not just Harry and what he represents but the stories themselves. And Hermione rules, even though she struggles with rigidity (cough, cough).

So, this blog post came about because of an Instagram conversation I had with Carly Rhode, who identifies as mostly Hufflepuff. Poor Hufflepuff, even a fan like me is like “Wait, why?” and Carly talked about loyalty and hard work and being more badass than people expect (that’s my reframe, FYI). All great things. Plus my dear friend Jane is having a dress up “Yule Ball at Hogwarts” holiday party this weekend and she made actual edible snitches. #partygoals So HP is on the brain.

But here’s my argument: going into private practice is freaking BRAVE. Such a tiny percentage of people go into business for themselves and that’s because it’s scary. Like a boggart, your deeply personal biggest fears will come up. And just as we learned at Hogwarts, we can let them consume us or we can shout “Riddikulus” and keep moving forward.

You have to WANT private practice deep down in your bones. It can be because of what it provides or it can be because you have to get away from the Dementors at your agency job. It takes a lot to Expecto Patronum your way through a day. Either way, you have to be committed and you have to be brave.

According to the copious amounts of fan analysis I just read, “Gryff’s” care about people, Hermione talks about them having a “saving-people thing,” and check this out: “A willingness to confront the darkness, to fight for the underdog, to explore and defend: this is Gryffindor House.” (from here) Um hello, calling all counselors, we got your House right here!

So, as we get closer to 2017, I want you to stand in front of the Mirror of Erised and see your amazing private practice. You can have that. What do you need to do to get there? How can you steel yourself for those harder moments as you build? Harry did exactly none of the amazing things he gets credit for all on his own. Who do you have for support? How can you grow in a way that has you feeling hopeful and invigorated instead of haggard and tired? How can you take some things a little less seriously and be more playful? Life is can be so fun and there’s room for some joy in your business, too.

My fellow Gryffindor, keep trudging forward. You are brave and wise and your heart is in a beautiful place.

How are you being brave in your business? Let us know in the comments!

Allison Puryear is an LCSW with a nearly diagnosable obsession with business development. She has started practices in three different states and wants you to know that building a private practice is shockingly doable when you have a plan and support. After retiring her individual consultation services, she opened the Abundance Party, where you can get practice-building help for the cost of a copay. You can download a free private practice checklist to make sure you have your ducks in a row, get weekly private practice tips, listen to the podcast, hop into the free Facebook Group. Allison is all about helping you gain the confidence and tools you need to succeed.

Dec 12, 2016 06:00am

By Allison Puryear

4 min read

Why We're All Gryffindors

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