Massage Santa Barbara

Linda Fehrs, LMT has written a great article.  She took the timeless and universal principles of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People from almost 20 years ago and re-applied them specifically to the massage therapy industry.

Fehrs takes advantage of timing, with the new year inspiring people to make resolutions to change old habits and solidify new ones.

"At the beginning of each new year we often start out with the good intention of resolving to eliminate bad habits and replacing them with life enhancing ones. We promise ourselves to eat healthier, exercise more, spend quality time with family and friends, contribute or volunteer time to charity and a myriad other of good deeds."

She begins with the first of these seven habits: "Be Proactive."

"There are times when you may need to be proactive in your practice. If you are just starting out, or if the economy is sluggish, you need to be assertive in letting others know who you are and what you are doing. During times when clients seem to be too busy for a massage, or assume they cannot afford what they consider a luxury, you need to feel comfortable about sending reminders and perhaps making concessions in pricing such as holiday specials or reduced price gift certificates. Rather than sitting around depressed or feeling embittered because of circumstances around you, find ways to create an optimistic attitude and become empowered by focusing on those things you can control."

She moves on to the second and third: "Begin With The End in Mind." and "Put First Things First."

"As children we are often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” You need to ask yourself similar questions. What will it take to achieve your dream – for your practice and personal life to evolve into what you envision it to be? Think of this in terms of your overall business – where is my practice going? Where will I be in one year, five years or even 10 years? Think of it also with regard to each client you work with. How can I help this client achieve the optimum benefit from massage? What is the goal? Each step you take in the ‘now’ is one step closer to your future."

"Is it all that important to work a 12-hour day at the expense of not spending time with your spouse or child? Is skipping lunch or not getting enough exercise in order to fit in one more client as important as your health? Putting first things first is about maintaining healthy balance in your life and managing your time. Taking care of yourself may be the best way you can continue to take care of others."

The author then moves on to some very insightful points.  The first, about win-win situations, for me brings to mind ideas such as referring clients to other therapists when you don't think they're a good fit for your practice, etc.:

"Think Win-Win – Modern culture seems to stress winning, sometimes at a high price. But in the game of win or lose, does anyone really come out ahead? Winning and losing is based on comparison and competition, sometimes unfairly. Win-win is based on cooperation and, 'is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions,' writes Covey. A win-win situation comes about when you approach potential conflict with integrity, maturity and an abundance mentality. That is, you remain true to your feelings, values and commitments; you express your ideas with consideration for others; and, you know there is plenty for everyone. Personal lives and businesses don’t need to be either/or situations. There doesn’t have to be a winner and loser. We can strive to greater heights together."

About Covey's #5 habit, "Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood", Fehrs asks us,

"Do you hear what your client is saying during intake, or has it become just a formality? Do you ask and listen for feedback from your client during a session?"

She warns us that we may be filtering information and urges us to "really listen."

"We often selectively listen to others and filter what is said through our own reference frames. But just as we want to be understood, so too do others. As massage therapists, we take in information through initial intakes, feedback during sessions and by touch. Make sure you really listen to what each client has to say."

And a very important point, "Synergize – Work with others" is next.

"Get together with other massage therapists as well as other alternative healthcare professionals and learn from each other. Provide workshops together. Create a multi-practitioner office. Join professional organizations. Our differences not only make us unique as individuals but also contribute to the strength and unity of the whole."

I know that some of my most interesting, fun and profitable projects have come from this sort of activity.  ...not to mention some of my best clients having originally been referred to me by another therapist, who thought my work would be more appropriate for that client.  Clients will respect you immensely if you refer them to someone else when it's appropriate.

This web site itself is a perfect example of synergistic work.  Some people told me I was crazy to create a web site inviting other therapists in the area (my "competitors", they called them) to join the free directory.  The web site has grown and thanks to the article contribution and other submissions to the site from all the members, the traffic has increased, gaining more exposure for all of us.

The final habit is called "Sharpen the Saw."  Fehrs urges us to "grow, change, and evolve."

"Grow, change and evolve. Read and study. Take continuing education courses. Learn new techniques; deepen your knowledge about those things you already know. Spend time with nature. Meditate. Try your hand at creative endeavors – art, music or dance. Exercise not only your body, but also your mind and spirit. 'Feeling good doesn’t just happen,' writes Covey, 'Living a life in balance means taking the necessary time to renew yourself. It’s all up to you.”

What better advice than what we find in this article?  I wanted to share this article on this web site and thought I really should make sure to add my own spin on it all.  But I was hard pressed to do so.  Fehrs has done such a good job, (and of course Covey before her doing his phenomenal job with the book didn't hurt at all...), that I left most of it alone, simply adding my own comments throughout.

I hope we can all take the advice in this article and put all the points to use.  I'm know I'm going to make every effort...

Click here to read the original article.