Each of us periodically faces critical moments that have the potential to alter our life's course. Sometimes they're forks in the road that appear without warning. Other times, we can anticipate them, but we still sweat the unknowns. In either case there's uncertainty—which can be stressful, nerve-wracking, perhaps even frightening.

I've got some good news for you, though. In most every instance, you'll find leverage and power in taking an approach known as controlling the controllables, or CTC. It's important to your personal and professional wellbeing as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant—and to your approach with clients who are seeking wellness services—that you familiarize yourself with the concept.

CTC can act as a buoy when you feel as if you're drowning. I know this from experience—most recently a few months ago, when I was facing the final step of the PhD program I'd entered a few years before.