Day Job, Healing Centers & The Chat
How many jobs does it take to start a successful holistic practice?
If you said two, you are correct. Your day job keeps you afloat, as you continue to pay your bills, etc., and your practice can be created, in a calm manner, so your clients will not feel that you are needy and desperate because it is your sole income. Read on Holistic Warriors it gets better!
When first starting out, teaching what I know about business, I had interviewed with several holistic schools in this area. Assuming they all would be excited about sharing with students the two-year turn around The Healing Arts Institute was the only one to understand this prospect.
It is better to give a student tools for the long haul than only seek their tuition and leave them out in the hot dry desert with an empty juice cup. I feel honored to teach at this school and be a part of their team.
I suggest that you keep your day job and segue into your practice instead of scurrying off to work for someone else in the field that is new to you. That can be a vicious loop. You haven’t honed your skills so you don’t get paid much. You’ve given up your day job so now you need the money and you aren’t paid well enough to leave the new job. Working for others now takes all of your time and energy that should be devoted to YOUR practice.
You already know your day job. And yes, you will be working two jobs. There is a possibility that you can let the day job go by two years. That means day job and then holistic practice nights and weekends. This estimate is for the self-sufficient individual, not one with supplemental incomes of other sources combined. That can take less time because you have a “net.” But for those working without a “net” you will do the dance of 1% inspiration 99% perspiration for about two years. If you have given up your day job and are working in the holistic field for someone else, see this as an opportunity to see how others do business. Consider yourself an intern for the duration and march on.
Following your bliss, your passion, being of Service and trusting the Universe will be the most rewarding “job” you will ever work your buns off to achieve. With this hard work and intentional effort comes Peace, Abundance and Serenity….promise.
How much?
Investment in your practice costs money but consider it an expensive hobby. It’s only money and there is plenty more where that came from. Showing up to each day and what you can do in that day to better yourself and your practice will bring you to success! As a new author, I spent $5000+ in the first few years getting my books, webmaster, print on demand company, speaking engagements etc, etc, etc. in place, ran a full practice, taught seminars, wrote columns and volunteered my time, this is where the passion kicks in.
I have since paid my debts and am glad I listened to the Universe and took one risk after another because I knew it would better the world! Besides being connected through meditation and Trusting the Universe, I know I won’t starve. Consider this? Have you ever gone without a meal?
Healing Centers
It is easy to get swept up by the collective consciousness of the moment, when hanging out with your friends, and say yes to the possibility of opening a healing center together. Let’s change the world as it were. However, before you start working out plans with a group, check to see what work needs to be done inside yourself first. Of course this inner work is a lifelong process.
Are you already successful in your holistic practice? If not what are some of the initial glaring things that come to you as you sit still and think about what inner work you need to do before connecting with a group dynamic? AND what does the group dynamic look like? Are they in and of themselves accomplished successful people?
What I usually see is a group of “like minded people” getting whipped up and thinking that if they were just in a group somehow someone would know some answers and they would become successful as a group. What usually happens is that on the event of some first problem all of the members of the group think that at least one member will have the answer and if no one does they blame the other and basically dissension starts.
You can’t have a bunch of unsuccessful parts trying to make a successful whole. This is how many friendships have been dissolved. If you are successful in your practice and you team up with other successful practitioners then you have a great chance to be successful. Each member will contribute as a total package.
Keep clear communication in writing about each individual’s job descriptions, expectations, and a code of ethics or credo all in a signed contract. If anyone feels like that’s just not being in the “cosmic” moment, that’s a big red flag. It’s a business, and it must have an agendum structure.
The People In Your Life Chat
Once you have made the decision to jump into the pool, make sure that you spend some special time discussing your plans with the people in your life, that will not be seeing you, for about two years. If loved ones are alerted that this is what you are called to do and that you still love them, and you would like their support for the next few years, they are much more able to accept the shift. I “suggest” that you set up “date” night at least once a month for the different individuals in your life so that they have you to look forward to and you to them. Put it on the communal calendar.
This is where good communication skills come forth. It is important that significant others in your life are informed about what you are doing, what your goals are and what your time frame is going to look like. Most people have no idea how much time, effort, and money it takes to start and maintain a practice, any practice.
Some people can be under the misconception that a holistic practice is self-starting and requires little maintenance. This concept is false. People in your life who are used to spending a certain amount of time with you need to know there is going to be a radical time change, at least for a few years. Any people in your life, who do not respect the direction you are going in, can be excused from the table. This is no place to compromise Your Life’s Calling because of fear, besides it will just come back to haunt you anyway if you turn away from what you are truly meant to do.
If the people in your life that don’t understand, that you are about to embark on an amazing journey of Service to the Universe, you might want to re-think why you would have them in your life? Hmmm. Move forward anyway. Remember, you must do this if it is a passion.
What I have seen regarding acceptance from the family group is: if the holistic therapist is clear, caring and structured in their “plan” the people in their life are very supportive. Your life is being designed according to the plans of the Universe, once you accept this holistic calling, you will always be going in the best direction for your Soul AND the Universe will ALWAYS support you!
So, think about your goals, what direction you want to take and start asking the Universe for Guidance in your morning meditation and prayers. Give yourself a chance to digest and think about where you want to set your intentions. How will you be of Service?
If you want to fast track your way to success the complete workbook “Intentional Success-A Workbook For The Holistic Therapist,” can be purchased now at The Healing Arts Institute Bookstore or on Amazon.com
Until next time~
Make a living; make a difference; stay in balance!
Shaun
BeWellPublications.com
