Do What You Love; Love What You Do
Are you still happy with your career choice? If not, maybe it’s time for a change. Or at least, maybe it’s time to liven things up a bit. Did you know that if you don’t like what you do, your hands will give you away? That’s right. Unhappiness is transparent.
I had a massage recently and although it was adequate, it wasn’t terrific or memorable. I certainly won’t be going back for another session. It seems the therapist is burnt out, dicontented and her work is suffering. She didn’t tell me this directly but I found out from other sources. No, I am not a spy but the massage world is small and I heard from other colleagues. While the massage was ok, I was not inspired or didn’t come away from the appointment feeling nurtured and cared for. In a tough economy and with a sea of other massage therapists to chose from, these details matter.
Do what you love; love what you do. It is human nature to want to surround yourself with people who are happy with their life choices, who love what they do. It is draining to be around people who are unhappy. That’s not to say you have to be happy all the time but as a professional, it is your job to show your happiest face to your clients.
I can honestly say that after almost 20 years, I still LOVE doing massage. I may not be as “smitten” as I was as a new graduate. The infatuation stage has ended and like every long term relationship, I an in a deeper, more meaningful place with my career choice. That is what my clients are attracted to and one of the reasons they come to me. There is an energy to my work and it comes from a place of my being genuinely happy with the services I offer and the care I provide.
No need to change careers if you are not happy. But do seek some help. Take a vacation, even if it is a long weekend. Take some classes or attend a convention to surround yourself with like minded people. Call up former classmates and rekindle that student energy. Talk to colleagues about why you chose the massage profession in the first place. The point is, do something. Don’t let your unhappiness come through your hands. You may think you are faking the client but chances are, you aren’t fooling anyone.
Stay focused.
I agree Jenn – Glad you put this out there! I’ve been in the profession for over 22 years and still love it! However, we do need to get re-inspired, rejuvenated and avoid burn out. Can’t fool the clients for sure.If you don’t love what you do, you will eventually not make it anymore.Don’t be a dis-service either. If clients are coming to you for the first time and get disappointed they may never try another massage.
Dear Jean, what a wonderful reflection. Nailing the issue for those who may need to recognize themselves to do so, and some great suggestions for getting refreshed and rejuvenated in the career one has. I’ll add one more suggestion which is my book, purely a prompt for reflection for those who are not quite so happy and want to be more satisfied. Why Not Do What You Love? published in 2010, takes exactly your point that passion ripples out and attracts clients, and assumes that the possibility exists for all of us—if we take time to get clear with ourselves.Thanks again for the lovely column…I may link to in my blog…