Be Intentional in Your Work

Story Time!

Last week I had returned to a business where I had dropped off an item that needed altering. There were no other customers in the store at the time and the owner was behind the counter, on the phone.  I approached the counter, handed her my ticket and she proceeded to look for my item, she was still on the phone.  She handed me the item, I went into the dressing room, I came out to have her check it, she was still on the phone.  She gave me the once-over and a head nod, I went back to the dressing room, I paid for the work, she was still on the phone. I then left the shop; she was still on the phone!!!  Clearly, she did not INTEND to give me a good customer experience. Granted, my item was fine and looked okay, but something was clearly lacking.  Intention.  She was completely disconnected from me as her customer.  It appeared as though she had forgotten why she opened this shop.  I left feeling disappointed, even though the work was decent.   

So, what does this story have to do with massage therapy?  Have you ever gotten a massage and all the while on the table you’re thinking, “something seems off, but I can’t put my finger on it”?  Maybe it feels sort of disconnected or maybe a bit mechanical, even? Like they are just going through the motions, such as the woman in my story.  You get off the table and feel a bit disappointed, but you can’t really explain why. Now remember a time when the opposite occurred. You had a wonderful experience with a massage therapist who made you feel like you were the only person they had on the table that day even though their schedule was full. You feel connected to the work being done and you leave feeling happy, peaceful and relaxed.  What differentiates these two experiences? Intention.

What do I mean by intention? Simply put, taking a moment to center yourself, remember why you do what you do, and connect with your client/customer/patient. When I put my hands on a client, I do so with intention. I remember why I chose this path. I want the best for my clients, whatever the reason they have come to see me.  I want to give them the best of me, they deserve nothing less. 

This is what I try my best to do for each and every session.  I value each and every client.  I treat them with the respect and the attention they deserve. I work with intention.

I love what I do!

Whatever it is you do, do it with intention!