Why do you want to be in practice? While the answer may seem obvious, it is not until we ask ourselves this important question that we really get to grips with our purpose as practitioners and business people. In fact, a great idea for much of what we do in life and business is to start any project by asking ourselves ‘why’ we are doing it, and how this aligns with our core values and ethos.
My hope would be that most of you would answer more than just ‘Money’, because, let’s face it, if you simply want to get rich there are easier ways to do it than being a health and wellness practitioner. The financial rewards can be considerable though, and this is especially true if the core values of WHY you are in this business continue to drive your passion and purpose to make your health, fitness and wellness practice a sustainable one.
Asking the big WHY tells you what your most important intended outcomes are, and whether what you are doing will lead to those and is congruent with your values. This question provides an end-focussed framework for determining which projects and business ventures mesh with your values and ethos set.
If, for example, I asked myself why I have been in health and wellness practice for going on 24 years (as of 2021) my answers would be:
- To serve others
- To create a positive impact on health and wellness in society
- To help people to be healthier and happier
- To continue to learn and grow
- To create financial security for myself, my friends and my family.
The financial goal is certainly present, but it is only equally as important as the other drivers of my life-in-balance.
Action: Ask yourself the big WHY?
Take some time to brainstorm your why. Think not about ‘what’ you do in practice, but instead what you want to achieve out of it and what you hope to give back to your clients and patients and to society and your community.
Tools:
Start with Why by Simon Sinek – www.startwithwhy.com
