Not What I Expected

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I like to be pleasantly suprised by things in life.  I can often be critical and have high expectations (mostly in my professional life...unless you ask my husband).  Because of these unrealistic expectations, I sometimes approach matters with a negative viewpoint.  I get giddy like a child when something actually lives up to or surpasses my expectations.  This happened to me today!

One of my goals this year is to read at least four self-promotion or business building books.  I am actually doing two at the same time.  I am slowly making my way through 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, while at the same time I started The Magic Touch: How to Make $100,000 per year as a Massage Therapist.  Both are great books!  I am a little slow with building a better blog...

BUT...The Magic Touch is a must read for ALL MT's!!  I read an article about the author and her book in the November/December 2010 Massage & Bodywork Magazine.  After reading the article, I was intrigued to learn more.  Not because I liked what she had to say...I was actually a bit put off by the article.  I decided that I wanted to know for myself what her book was really about, and if any of what she teaches could be applied in a rural market like southern Illinois.

I am currently about half-way through the book, and I cannot put it down.  I find it very thought-provoking.  Her perspective is not a popular or mainstream outlook on massage.  Contrary to my first impression, I find I actually connect with the author and her experiences.

So, I am curious...how many of you have read The Magic Touch: How to Make $100,000 per year as a Massage Therapist?  What is your opinion of the book?  Please let me know by taking my poll and commenting!

Massage Matters in 2011

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I am not fond of setting "New Year's Resolutions."  I believe that we never reach a true destination in life.  We are always travelling, always changing.  I tend to shy away from known causes of depression like resolutions.  I mean, what percentage of people actually fulfill their resolutions each year?  (Please don't actually give me this percentage, as that too could cause depression.)

I am the type of person who likes to see items checked off a list.  This empowers me and makes me feel confident.  In this spirit, I am setting goals (very specific goals) for 2011.  I have a different set of goals for my personal and professional life.  My lists of goals are realistic and fairly short.  If I achieve them early, I will make new goals.  I plan to periodically share my professional (and maybe some of my personal) goals with you.  I will then share with you the outcomes of theses goals...did I achieve the goal?, was it successful?, etc).

My first goal that I share with you is to begin reading business and personal development books.  I recently read a blog post by Linda Roisum, 2010: A Year in Books.  In this post, she lists several books that she read in 2010.  She mentioned that she tries to read one business or personal development book per month.  I know that is a goal I cannot reach...I am a mother, a wife, and an MT!  Instead, I would like to set my goal as reading 4 business or personal development books in 2011.  There are several on Linda's 2010 list that I plan to look up.  Next week, I will let you know which book I chose. 

What are your goals for 2011?