For the past few weeks, we have talked about certain steps you can take as a new massage therapist to set yourself up for success in your new career.
Today, we are going to be talking about courage.
Courage is a choice, courage is a practice and courage must be developed. It is as simple as that, but not always easy. How do we foster courage within ourselves? Decision making is one of the primary principles in self-leadership and personal power. Courage and fear often go hand-in-hand.
You made a decision to enter massage school a while back. You have now graduated and find yourself circling in this question: Now what?
It is decision time once again. You have, whether you like it or not, been making decisions and choosing your path along the way.
Courage and Fear
Everything that happened in your life, whether you are thrilled about it or bummed about it, began with you making a choice and making a decision. The decisions you make today will affect your professional journey down the road. It is essential to understand this period in your professional life is important.
When I graduated from massage school in 1991, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. My decision simply was to do something that would make me happy. After 7 years I made another big decision.
It Was Now or Never
My decision to go full time and truly make a career of massage therapy became non-negotiable in my life. I never looked back. My decision was wrapped in belief, determined action, persistence and gratitude.
Courage is a mental attitude that conquers fear. Like all muscles, the more you use them the stronger they become. Remember the first time you were asked to give a full body massage in school and how fearful you were. Perhaps your thinking went to, can I do this, what if I make a mistake, will I pass the test and on and on.
Look at you now. You made it through clinic, and you have graduated.
You have moved through your fear and doubt; your confidence has grown. It has been said if you face the thing you fear, fear will leave you.
For years I believed people who were courageous had no fear. That is not true. We develop courage in the face of fear. Remember, a little courage leads to more.
As you continue on your professional journey it is important to understand that fear and courage go hand in hand. The question is which one will you choose to follow?
The practice: On one sheet of paper identify three specific goals you want to accomplish in the next 90 days. Become aware of any limiting beliefs or fears you have. Write them down. Now tear up the piece of paper and throw it away. Take out another sheet of paper and write down the same three specific goals as if you have already accomplished them.
For example, “I am so grateful now that I have six new clients in the next 90 days, I am so grateful I have landed my ideal massage therapy position at ABC Spa or I am so grateful now that I am working in private practice three days a week, seeing three clients per day.”
Whatever your goal is, it must be written, read daily and followed up with intentional action steps that move you closer to your goal – even in the face of fear.
Mindful quote: “Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.” Author unknown
Kathy Ginn, LMT, BCTMB, is the creator of Ethical Dimensions and Life Empowered Institute. She is a body-centered Hakomi practitioner, Proctor-Gallagher Thinking into Results consultant, teacher and mentor. She offers body-centered coaching and continuing education focusing on personal and professional development along with courses in Ethics as Right Use of Power.
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