Becoming a complete and balanced therapist – Rebirthing your passion

I remember the rush of adrenaline a got when I supported the arm of my first wax client and with one firm upward pull, the huge smile on my face and feeling of success was caused by the now hairless underarm that faced me. I remember the days where seeing my client’s skin after a micro dermabrasion session, was my favorite part of the treatment.  I remember the time when my column was fully booked with regular and happy clients and my target was rands away from being smashed.

My point you ask? Well its simple – As Confucius said, “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” It’s great advice, but it’s not always that simple—it can be difficult to figure out what you love and how to turn that into a viable job.

We live in a time where a 19-year-old college dropout can create a 60 billion dollar empire called Facebook in less than seven years. This is a time when an unemployed person with a genuine idea can create a company like Netflix that brings a large competitor such as Blockbuster to its knees.

So how do you start?

Remember What You Loved as student or a junior

Think about what you loved long before you had to worry about your career. Facials? Waxing? Massages? Retailing? Getting back in touch with those instincts is an important step in finding your passion. Focus on what you like about your work and ramp it up. This will give you the strength to tackle the tough parts.

Eliminate Money from the Equation

If money were no object, what would you do? Would you travel? Spend all of your time with your children? Would you start a charitable organization to help abused women? Of course money can’t be ignored, but don’t let financial pressures dictate your choices. Your career should ultimately lead to financial security, but if financial security is the defining motivator, it’s unlikely you’ll end up doing what you love. Chase your passion not your pension.

Identify your Professional Inspiration

Of everyone you know, either personally or professionally, whose career do you aspire to have? Reach out to him/her to learn more about how they got to where they are, or, if that’s not possible, read everything you can about their career and life. (Examples: Debbie Merdjen – Camelot Group CEO or Ronleigh Gordan – Amani Spas Managing Director)

After you’ve done these exercises, think about what you’ve learned. Focus on the things that you both enjoy and do well—whether you are destined to be the best laser specialist in South Africa or you are going after that Spalicious Therapist of the year award—and write them down. Then, narrow the list to the top three or four things. Keep it handy, review it often, and use it as your jumping-off point when you re-ignite that passion.

Remember: Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love, is called PASSION.