The Websters Dictionary defines the word persistence "as the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people". Persistence is also defined as the "state of occurring or existing beyond the usual, expected, or normal time". The above definitions lead us to believe that to be a person of persistence one must have the ability to be a persistent person. The wherewithal to persist. In the world of massage a therapist exists for the client, and the client exists for the therapist. We rely on the client to need massage, and the client relies on us the therapists to provide a quality service which brings wellness and/or relaxation. Those that have the ability to persist are the ones who come out in the end successful in providing what clients need. But what do we do when financial hardships arise on the public that we so diligently try to provide our services too. As a massage therapist I am experiencing cutbacks just like many others in this economy, and in order to overcome the natural inclination to give up I find that I have to be persistent, and true to myself and my scope of practice in order to continue to see success come my way. But this is not easy! I believe that many of us in this line of work give in to the demands of the public (those individuals who just are looking for a break, a discount, a coupon, or a handout). These individuals are not real faithful, or loyal customers, and really do not want to take advantage of the truly wonderful benefits of massage, but rather they just want to experience "something nice" but don't want to pay for what a service is genuinely worth. Don't get me wrong! Its really nice to experience the occasional "financial discount" when needed, but as a practice I do not take advantage of using them just so I don't have to pay someone what they charge or what they are worth! I try to live by the adage that a person "is worthy of their hire" this means that a person is worth what they put into their service or product, and if it is truly worth it then I believe that paying for it no matter the cost should be honored and respected; the flip side of this is that if something is not worth its price for what ever reason (quality etc.) then the art of negotiation is required to establish what it is worth. The goal is to make yourself and your service worth its weight in gold (so to speak!) so that its worth is not questioned. Believing in your product, and your service, as well as your self will only boost your sales and the quality of your work. Don't sell yourself short! Figure out what you are worth and "sell it!" Be persistent in your goals and do what it takes to convince Joe public that you are worth every penny that you charge! Take courage in knowing that the service your provide is worth the hard work you put into learning it. It is a part of who you are...now is the time to rise up and prove that you are worth it!
Peace! Harmony! Balance!
until next time!
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