Taking the Time
Once you’ve taken inventory of where you are spending your time, there are a variety of things you can do to create more balance in your life. First, you should make a list of activities you know are pleasurable for you. My own list includes reading a good book, seeing a movie, playing music, going for a walk, meditating and doing something creative.
The possibilities are endless, and these activities don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes restoring balance can come by getting outside for a few minutes and breathing fresh air or simply sitting under a tree letting your worries wash away.
If you work out of your home, this timetable exercise might reveal that you need to spend more time with people who aren’t your clients. Remaining socially active can help you stay happy and keep your energy positively focused on your massage practice. Maintaining connections with good people is a great way to raise self esteem and reduce feelings of isolation. The key here is to completely break the routine and do something that’s in no way related to massage therapy. By doing this you’ll completely dust away the cobwebs and refresh yourself.
I would suggest getting out of the house at least three times a week. Do something completely different from massage therapy, helping to promote a freshened mind and stemming any frustration you may be feeling. Don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed. In-stead, plan ahead and keep these activities a regular part of your schedule. For example, I love nature and physical activity, so I joined a bush walking group. I was able to break from my routine, as well as have the opportunity to network and meet other great people. During this time, I am able to clear away any mental lethargy that might be building.
Good Practice Management
Good practice management begins with having an organized, clear set of principles as the foundation for your massage business. These principles should run through every aspect of your practice, from administrative tasks and business goals to ethics and client service. Defining and separating the roles you have as a massage therapist and business owner will help streamline how you perform daily operations.
Keeping an operations book helps track and improve these important organizational issues. The operations book is simply a book of written goals and procedures for your practice. Functioning like a very detailed calendar, this book incorporates your mission statement, how things are done in your practice and when each goal is to be completed.
For example, you may have a strict rule about your massage supplies being ordered at the end of each month from a specific vendor. Making a note of all similar rules in an operations book maintains consistency in your practice and creates a good working system for you to follow.
You should also include the basics, such as opening and closing hours, when the business is closed for holidays, safety procedures and a code of ethics. Also write down future goals, plans you have for marketing and where you’d like to see the business go.
Keeping this information in one place lets you easily assess your progress and gives you a general overview of where you stand. You’ll be able to pinpoint busy times, times of growth and expansion, and times you might need to hire additional help. Formatting a clear guideline of operations will almost always bring consistency to a practice. This clarity will give you the ability to focus.
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American Massage Therapy Association®
