How do you prevent BOREDOM?

Let's remember that this is a forum, not a subscription blog. The whole point is to get as many different viewpoints as possible. We need to respect each other's opinions instead of trying to drown them out. I keep seeing posts such as "You keep commenting instead of believing what I say." (Example: www.indeed.com/forum/job/massage-therapist/Want-Become-Massage-Therapist/t100731/p3 7th post from bottom)

The point to a forum is to discuss the topic at hand, not to blindly accept what someone else says. If you don't wish to do this, you could simply ignore posters who don't agree with you rather than insult them. Perhaps staying with the blog that adheres to your beliefs and excludes others is best for you.

That's the way to keep it civil on a discussion forum.

Best wishes!

So true. Thank you for the reminder.

I went to a career counselor...someone who has spent the money on an education and earned the right to tell us to be quiet and believe what she says! She gave me some great tips that have really helped.

This counselor says don't wallow in your feelings. Change your behavior and your feelings will follow. She agrees massage is a repetitious task that many find boring. And trite statements like "become aware of your feelings" and "see what you can learn about yourself and each person" are useless. Agreed!

This actually works by fully engaging your mind and body in the task at hane: 1. Challenge yourself by setting goals and beating your own target. My goals include how few words I can say to the client (doesn't include asking for feedback!), how long I can work with my shoulders completely relaxed and dropped down, how quickly I can help the client to slow and deepen her breathing by regulating my own. 2. Improve your work flow. My office is now almost paper-free, including electronic signatures! 3. Refine or create one new massage technique each session. I've come up with too many to mention, but I have written them down and am in the process of recording them so I can share them online. How fun is that?

An interesting thing has happened in the process. Now I CAN tell you how I feel: calm, focused and interested in my work! How I feel about something doesn't matter at all. What's important is what I choose to do about it. The feelings will fix themselves!

Awesome suggestions, MicBen, practical and useful. I will use it when I get stuck in a rut. Thank you for sharing

I too appreciate your anti-Julie comments Mic. Not all LMTs reduce ourselves to 'feeling' our way through life ignoring common sense. It is so good to read posts from a few rational thinkers out there.

The difference between Julie and those writing in opposition to Julie is she is not imposing her way, she is merely offering a different perspective. Much of what Julie writes are things not addressed in laws or dogmatic massage trainings around the country.

MicBen1 in Salt Lake City, Utah said: So true. Thank you for the reminder.

I went to a career counselor...someone who has spent the money on an education and earned the right to tell us to be quiet and believe what she says! She gave me some great tips that have really helped.

This counselor says don't wallow in your feelings. Change your behavior and your feelings will follow. She agrees massage is a repetitious task that many find boring. And trite statements like "become aware of your feelings" and "see what you can learn about yourself and each person" are useless. Agreed!

This actually works by fully engaging your mind and body in the task at hane: 1. Challenge yourself by setting goals and beating your own target. My goals include how few words I can say to the client (doesn't include asking for feedback!), how long I can work with my shoulders completely relaxed and dropped down, how quickly I can help the client to slow and deepen her breathing by regulating my own. 2. Improve your work flow. My office is now almost paper-free, including electronic signatures! 3. Refine or create one new massage technique each session. I've come up with too many to mention, but I have written them down and am in the process of recording them so I can share them online. How fun is that?

An interesting thing has happened in the process. Now I CAN tell you how I feel: calm, focused and interested in my work! How I feel about something doesn't matter at all. What's important is what I choose to do about it. The feelings will fix themselves!

If one looks long and hard enough one can find the words and recommendations one wants to hear. What all too often happens is the found words become the truth one wants all to have making one less tolerant to the truths held by others.

It's good to hear you are back on track McBin...

I've been a MT for 7 years & YES, I too am Bored! Working in private practice as well as the Spa industry, I love my talent-and I love doing massage. I think that I'm just tired of being in a dark room with strangers, not talking, for 20 hours a week. It's effecting me, negatively, and I call that boredom! I'm outgoing and I love to talk. My best clients are talkers, and they love their massage. I'm very good, heavy handed, clients tell me they LOVE my massage! Even my lousy ones! Yes, I can still get "into it" and give an awesome treatment, but lately I just don't feel like it. I think it's b/c I need to do something else 3 days/week, and limit massage to maybe 5-7 hrs per week. Harmonize my "energy"! : ) Thanks for letting me vent!

The Rev commends you for learning what you don't like, "a dark room with strangers, not talking for 20 hours a week." I, truly, remember those days. Some people don't survive long enough to figure out what they don't like, never mind what they do like. My guess is you are much like me. I am in a very successful massage practice with lots of talk in a brightly lit room with lots of in building as well as outside noise that does not impact my work. It is s-o-o-o easy to set up a practice that fits YOUR needs. Do you know what you need to retain a love for giving the work?

The Rev

Not to split hairs, but opinions are opinions, and like a-holes, everyone has one. IMMHOO, opinions are not to be feared, attacked or judged but agreed with or disagreed with followed by a sharing of your opinion.

Before I say more, I would like to know more about you, Terry. How long have you been doing the work? Have you worked outside of FL? Are you aware of the politics of massage and there being only one organized group that moved from holding an opinion to imposing that opinion on everybody?

I am in the free State of CA where, until recently, there was no state involvement regarding the individual practitioner. In FL, laws governing massage have been in place for a long time, which, IMMHOO, is a travesty and tragedy. Don't worry, I am not going to move to FL to try to impose my opinion, will or agenda to change the laws in FL so it is as free as CA.

I think it is only one time that Julie actually used her power on her own board when someone was not in agreement. Considering some of the stuff I have seen, I would say that makes Julie a saint.

I am not even going to address the accusations you make against Julie. I will write Julie and ask her if there is anything to what you say.

Terry Time in Trenton, Florida said: This is where you are wrong in my opinion. Julie DOES try to impose her opinion here and elsewhere. You don't think she does it on her own board because IT'S HER OWN BOARD!

Julie practices techniques that are not permitted in the State of Washington. I know people who have reported her to the board of massage. So far no one has reponded. But one day someone will see that she is practicing way outside her scope and will stop it.

I am not or never have practiced outside of my scope of practice or have ever had any complaints against my license. If you are talking about the EFT situation that john.lyell2@something.com emailed me about but never responded to, I don't practice it with clients.(or is that really you?) How would you know what I am doing or not doing with clients. I have been licensed for over 20 years without any problems.

Your accusations are way out of line and I am taking it personally because you are attacking me personally. It is totally uncalled for and inappropriate. Why can't you people just get on with it and figure out how to have a job or practice that you desire instead of trashing the profession. Get out if you can't make it. If it didn't work for you its too bad. You just didn't use the available resources and figure out what you had to do to make it work.

The Rev in Mountain View, California said: I think it is only one time that Julie actually used her power on her own board when someone was not in agreement. Considering some of the stuff I have seen, I would say that makes Julie a saint.

I am not even going to address the accusations you make against Julie. I will write Julie and ask her if there is anything to what you say.

Dude! You seriously tattled to Julie? You've bestowed sainthood to her? I'm speechless. Your group dynamics are revealing themselves as somewhat frightening...

searching4more in Bell, California said: Dude! You seriously tattled to Julie? You've bestowed sainthood to her? I'm speechless. Your group dynamics are revealing themselves as somewhat frightening...

Tattled to Julie??? Hey dude...This is a public forum. I merely asked her if any of the things written by Terry had any validity. May the wrath of Julie give you reason to search for more things worthy of addressing.

Dang.. There is a Bell CA. I never heard of it. I'm not in Mountain View, I'm in Berkeley. If ever up N, look me up.
Rob

The Rev in Mountain View, California said: Tattled to Julie??? Hey dude...This is a public forum. I merely asked her if any of the things written by Terry had any validity. May the wrath of Julie give you reason to search for more things worthy of addressing.

Dang.. There is a Bell CA. I never heard of it. I'm not in Mountain View, I'm in Berkeley. If ever up N, look me up.
Rob

I'm glad Julie inspires you. She doesn't speak to my style or belief system.

If Julie doesn't practice EFT perhaps she should remove the documentation from her web sites. It encourages LMPs who admire her to practice it.

Inspiration may be a good thing but admiration has nothing to do with what someone does with his or her practice. Because I don't understand what it is that bothers you about Julie and/or Julie's posting of information about EFT, I can't address it. She is in WA and is WA's problem.

We in CA have our own trials and tribulations to address. What do you think of the new "voluntary" certification coming into effect, in September? Fortunately, I am not in a position that requires my having to put my hard earned money into supporting that board.

Rob

EFT is within the scope of practice in WA and OR and many other states. I have asked the state boards. I also do follow comments here since I have posted so much so go figure. I just can not figure out how it seem that everyone on here seems to be so negative and have had such bad experiences as a massage therapist. I have never in 20 years seen or heard so much complaining and hateful comments toward others.

A career in massage isn't a piece of cake like all of the advertisements make it out to be. That is what I write about how it is very deceptive and if you don't go into it doing your research you will be disappointed. It isn't easy and it takes commitment and perseverance and taking care of yourself first before your clients or most will sadly burnout and not have the inspiration to carry on when the going does get tough. But you can overcome all of the challenges if you want to - just like any other career or job

thebodyworker in Seattle, Washington said: EFT is within the scope of practice in WA and OR and many other states. I have asked the state boards. I also do follow comments here since I have posted so much so go figure. I just can not figure out how it seem that everyone on here seems to be so negative and have had such bad experiences as a massage therapist. I have never in 20 years seen or heard so much complaining and hateful comments toward others.

A career in massage isn't a piece of cake like all of the advertisements make it out to be. That is what I write about how it is very deceptive and if you don't go into it doing your research you will be disappointed. It isn't easy and it takes commitment and perseverance and taking care of yourself first before your clients or most will sadly burnout and not have the inspiration to carry on when the going does get tough. But you can overcome all of the challenges if you want to - just like any other career or job

Again, I'm not seeing the complaining or hateful comments toward others. Some posters disagree with your opinions or communication style but aren't hateful about it. Not everyone who disagrees with you is hateful or has a problem they need to figure out. They just understand the world differently.

I digress from the topic. Boredom has at times been a challenge for me. The first sign of it is when I start talking too much during sessions. I remind myself that's THEIR time, not mine! I put myself in my client's shoes...what if I was the client and my therapist was bored? What would I want the session to go like? How would I want to be treated? It gives me something to think about which relieves the boredom and helps me focus on what's truly important - the client!

DTcmt in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey said: I've been a MT for 7 years & YES, I too am Bored! Working in private practice as well as the Spa industry, I love my talent-and I love doing massage. I think that I'm just tired of being in a dark room with strangers, not talking, for 20 hours a week. It's effecting me, negatively, and I call that boredom! I'm outgoing and I love to talk. My best clients are talkers, and they love their massage. I'm very good, heavy handed, clients tell me they LOVE my massage! Even my lousy ones! Yes, I can still get "into it" and give an awesome treatment, but lately I just don't feel like it. I think it's b/c I need to do something else 3 days/week, and limit massage to maybe 5-7 hrs per week. Harmonize my "energy"! : ) Thanks for letting me vent!

Exactly, DT. Even if you don't feel like giving a good massage your clients don't need to suffer. It's a skill to always offer your best so your clients won't sense your discontent. It's a misconception that your clients will automatically sense when your energy is low or off. Mine never have a clue. Good job, DT!

Massage is one of those things that some people like more the less they do. I also had to cut back and replace some of my work hours with activities that allow me be more social, too. I feel so much more balanced!

Tracy in Portland, Oregon said: Again, I'm not seeing the complaining or hateful comments toward others. Some posters disagree with your opinions or communication style but aren't hateful about it. Not everyone who disagrees with you is hateful or has a problem they need to figure out. They just understand the world differently.

I digress from the topic. Boredom has at times been a challenge for me. The first sign of it is when I start talking too much during sessions. I remind myself that's THEIR time, not mine! I put myself in my client's shoes...what if I was the client and my therapist was bored? What would I want the session to go like? How would I want to be treated? It gives me something to think about which relieves the boredom and helps me focus on what's truly important - the client!

Haven't read this forum long have ya? Julie's created followers that are easily identified by their groupthink (see The Rev's posts) & she doesn't know how to respond to someone who doesn't melt into a pile of emotional goo & worship her wisdom. Just like other groupthinkers they "stereotype those who are opposed to the group ideas as weak, evil, biased, spiteful, disfigured, impotent, or stupid. (Wiki)" It's happened here for years.

There are so many good ideas from the non-groupthinkers about overcoming boredom. It's helping me so keep 'em coming!

Ahhh how refreshing to read the same old drama every time I check. Only one name stays the same...

Lalani Parker writes, "Haven't read this forum long have ya? Julie's created followers that are easily identified by their groupthink (see The Rev's posts) & she doesn't know how to respond to someone who doesn't melt into a pile of emotional goo & worship her wisdom. Just like other groupthinkers they "stereotype those who are opposed to the group ideas as weak, evil, biased, spiteful, disfigured, impotent, or stupid. (Wiki)" It's happened here for years.

There are so many good ideas from the non-groupthinkers about overcoming boredom. It's helping me so keep 'em coming!" ----------------------------------------------------------------

I am bored with this discussion.

In the past, words like yours would have set me off. Tell me more. I suspect, being from the ultraconservative So.Cal area and being on this list, you have been brainwashed into a group mentality, unwillingly.

Again, as I said in an earlier post, for those in CA, Julie is a sidebar or WA's problem. Trust me when I tell you, you are putting way to much into Julie.

Hey Lalani... Tell me. How do you feel about the fact those with less than 1000 hours of training will be able to move into positions of employment, in San Diego, without having to do the 1000 hour training? It is a groupthink that got that to happen.

You may want to reconsider your thinking and come to terms with the fact you are groupthinking, not a part of nongroup thinkers.

Whether you like it or not, it is only one group that is going to make us be in this together and Julie and I are opposed to that group, one of only a few points of agreement.

Another point of agreement is the warped mentality (my words with nothing to do with Julie)on this list.

Onward and upward... Do any of you make your income strictly from providing a service as a self employed person or, as I suspect, mostly disgruntled employees?

The Rev

Sorry, I'd respond to your post but it really doesn't make any sense. Besides, what does it matter to you? I'm a groupthinker anyway so my opinion doesn't even matter does it?

Maybe we can instead keep this thread on topic, preventing boredom. Rob, your topic is great on the changes happening in California. Perhaps you could start a new thread and get many responses.

Tracy in Portland, Oregon said: Exactly, DT. Even if you don't feel like giving a good massage your clients don't need to suffer. It's a skill to always offer your best so your clients won't sense your discontent. It's a misconception that your clients will automatically sense when your energy is low or off. Mine never have a clue. Good job, DT!

Massage is one of those things that some people like more the less they do. I also had to cut back and replace some of my work hours with activities that allow me be more social, too. I feel so much more balanced!

Thanks for the perspective Tracy. From now on I'll ignore all those who label those who post different opinions as warped or disgruntled. It doesn't add to the discussion and violates the purpose of discussion forums, which is to allow free expression of all opinions...even the ones we don't like.

How many massages do you give a week on average? What other activities have you added that hold your interest?

I just got a great rub at Massage Envy. I have to tell you I asked the lady if she was bored. She asked me if her work felt like she was bored. (It didn't) She said if she worked more days than she did, she would be. The comments on this list noting the dark room and lack of conversation had me thinking about it as I got the work. Then I fell asleep.

I am so blessed to have been able to get out of that type of environment and create an environment of my own.

I did talk to her about the voluntary certification. She got the application from our alma mata. She was going to apply but I talked her out of it. She was totally not understanding what it was about. Maybe it is a good idea to start a discussion about the CA certification. How does one do that?

Lalani Parker in San Diego, California said: How many massages do you give a week on average? What other activities have you added that hold your interest?

I average 12 massages a week and 6 facials. I sell my own artwork at a weekend market. That gets me out of the dark, quiet room that Rob and DTcmt have mentioned and drops me right into the public for much needed conversation and critique!

Yep, Rob, a new thread on the California changes is needed! To start a new thread, scroll to the top of this page. Under the 'indeed' logo you'll see a line that says 'Forums > Job > Massage Therapist'. Click on Massage Therapist to take you to the main board. Scroll to the bottom. You'll see 2 data entry boxes. You can enter your subject line in the short one and your question/comments in the larger one. Then click the button that says 'Start Discussion' (instead of Reply).

So now my location is coming up as Las Vegas, Nevada. Nope. I'm in Portland, Oregon!

The above comment was from Tracy, not ABZ129. I copied his name & pasted it over mine when I saw the Las Vegas thing. I got it straight!

The Rev in Hayward, California said: I just got a great rub at Massage Envy. I have to tell you I asked the lady if she was bored. She asked me if her work felt like she was bored. (It didn't) She said if she worked more days than she did, she would be. The comments on this list noting the dark room and lack of conversation had me thinking about it as I got the work. Then I fell asleep.

It is quite astute of your practitioner to know that boredom is a possibility for her, and how she avoids it. Thank you for sharing a story that tell us we're not freaks for feeling bored with massage sometimes, and how a real working MT handles with it.

Off Topic Question: At ME, therapists are paid to be there even if they do not have an appointment booked correct? What do they do during their down time?

ANC in Cincinnati, Ohio said: Off Topic Question: At ME, therapists are paid to be there even if they do not have an appointment booked correct? What do they do during their down time?

If you start a new thread you'll get answers. Ask the same question from the main massage area to start a new thread. There's also a job forum for Massage Envy exclusively.

MicBen in Salt Lake City, Utah said: Goodness gracious I'm bored out of my mind with massage. I've spent WAY too much money and time on CEUs learning techniques that nobody wants. A few clients humor me by lettin me try out the new stuff on them once or twice. Then it's back to the old deep tissue Swedish with hot stones. Over and over and over...it's the same massage on the same clients in the same room walking around the same table day after day, month after month, year after year.

Has anyone else experienced this? What do you do besides take classes?

I partially agree with the comment you recieved about being in the wrong business. I have been in the business 12 years and am rarely bored. I look forward to the next days work and am disapointed when the last patient comes through the door. I have more energy at the end of the day than I did at the begining of the day. Those of you who are bored may be in massage for the wrong reasons. If your in it because you love it then you will not be bored. Statitistics show that 80% of massage therapist never even earn enough money to pay for their schooling. With this in mind and the knowledge that you may not make much money if you can still say that you love the work then your in the right profession and you will make as much money as wish. Time is to short to do somthing that bores you. I would say find what you love and then find away to do that and make money at it. Your inteligent enough I'm sure you will find it and make a fortune.
Pete

I can honestly say I used to get bored with body work, Not all the time although I have to say when I focus on the client after all it is their time, and switch of my mind, I find it very rewarding, although I could see that seeing the same client 2 or 3 times a week, could get challenging.

I love sorting out a problem with the clients body, I find that very challenging and so in doing so avoid being bored.....

Gina in Toronto, Ontario said: As a student this conversation concerns me. I have a question for the "bored" MT's. As as someone looking to do this as a career, I am someone who is genuinely interested in helping others not only physically with massage but also in a feeling/emotional level as well. I have just started doing clinic at school this past year and I am amazed at how different everyone is and how depending on even their attitude it guides me on what I should be focusing on. I do love the science of it, but I also love the emotional aspect of it. I have already had the benefit of helping a few self-conscious people feel more comfortable with having their bodies touched. And it's this human connection that draws me to this field of work. I also love to people watch and try to figure out by their posture and gait the possibilities of what their problems might be. So my question is to the bored ones....were you like this when you first started out? Do you become disconnected after a while?

I've been doing massage therapy for five years now and I'm the most requested therapist where I work. There are a lot of interesting aspects to massage as each persons energy(this is not quackery, it's called quantum physics) is different and so are their personalities and bodily needs and issues. Presence is an absolute must and ego hasn't got much of a place in this work because this is a humble profession and that's a good thing. Clients appreciate sincerity and can sense when you care. So, since a lot of people aren't in this career because they are so caring but for some other ego gratification, such as part time work- full time money or maybe just trying it out, it can have a short shelf life for them. And that's okay. Having said that, it doesnt make you a bad person if you get bored with. I get bored with it. And we are all always groewing so using it as a stepping stone to get to another career is fine too.

The Rev in Redwood City, California said: If one looks long and hard enough one can find the words and recommendations one wants to hear. What all too often happens is the found words become the truth one wants all to have making one less tolerant to the truths held by others.

It's good to hear you are back on track McBin...

Truth becomes truth when it recieves enough attention. Many agree that perception is reality. And when I see a bunch of bad reactions to the concept of feelings, just like anything else in life, we dislike in others what we dislike in ourselves. Maybe some are frightened of their feelings? If not they wouldn't care what anyone said about it. Interesting... But no one is better than anyone else so calm down everyone. ")

Rob in Carlsbad, California said: This is a great conversation. I've been doing massage in my own practice for over 8 years. "Best massage I ever had" was what I heard right from the beginning when all I kwew was Swedish. After thousands and thousands of massagses, I get awesome therapeutic results. Throughout all this time I have learned to channel energy and spirit guides, connect with the client's higher self, even be used by God for deep healing. I've gotten umpteen referrals from doctors and chiropractors, gotten business from networking groups and the local Chamber of Commerce, even had articles written about me in local newspapers. Yet I now find myself looking for different work. I don't think it is burnout or boredom. Just time for a change. I've mastered it, and now I want to master something else.

I'm considering becoming a massage therapist and am very interested in helping people recover from injuries or working with athletes. I was wondering how you were able to create a relationship with doctors and chiropractors so they trusted you enough to recommend you, and if you have any other advice it would be appreciated. thanks