Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/121374
#2 coURaGe Courage means taking action despite anxiety, and it's essential for both business and personal growth. Fear is a two-edged sword. "It can save your life and it can also stifle it," says Margie Warrell, author of Stop Playing Safe (Wiley Press, 2013). "There's a fi ne line between courage and foolishness, and business owners have to walk it daily." What scares the socks off one person may be fun and easy for someone else, so courage means different things to different people. Maybe you feel uncomfortable talking up your services to strangers or have heart palpitations when you think about raising your rates. Map out the boundaries of your comfort zone. Are you generally risk-averse, or do you resist making changes only in areas where you feel least competent? A quick self-assessment can identify feelings and beliefs that are holding you back. "Business owners can never be 100 percent sure a business move will pay off," Warrell says, and erring on the side of caution isn't always bad. But if you wait until you have all the answers before making changes, you'll get stuck in old, ineffective strategies, and opportunities will pass while you watch and worry. Of course, jumping too quickly can be equally devastating. You may squander your money and energy, and end up with a practice that lacks direction or focus. Soul-searching is the best way to fi nd out which risks make sense for you. Create a dream board with words and images that capture experiences and accomplishments you want for yourself, and post it in a place where you'll see it regularly. Then, write down concrete, measurable goals that will make your vision a reality. Commit to doing one thing each day to move in your desired direction. "Courage is like a muscle," Warrell says. "Every time you act in the face of fear, you give yourself greater confidence to take on future challenges." ask Yourself what's keeping you from making that next step in your practice? aristotle said, "you will never do anything in this world without courage. it is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor." do This Today! muster your courage to go talk to the owners of businesses that surround yours. introduce yourself, if you haven't already, and invite them to try a special discounted service. they have clients and customers, too, and might just be the reciprocal referral partnership you've been looking for. www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 65