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Episode 071: Setting Yourself Up for the New Year

     



    As the end of the year approaches, many of us start reflecting on what we’ve achieved and, more importantly, what we still want to accomplish. The final months of 2024 provide a natural opportunity to take stock, re-evaluate priorities, and prepare for a fresh start in 2025. For massage therapists, particularly those running their own businesses, planning ahead is essential not only for staying organized but for ensuring personal and professional well-being.

    In the Folding Towels podcast, David and Jackie explore this very topic, sharing their approaches to planning and how they each navigate the complexities of balancing work and personal life. David, with his structured style, offers practical tips on how he maps out his year, while Jackie’s more flexible approach showcases the benefits of spontaneity and adaptability. This blog delves into their insights and offers a step-by-step guide to help massage therapists—and anyone juggling work and life—set themselves up for success in the new year.

    1. The Importance of Early Planning

    The idea of planning ahead can feel overwhelming, especially for those who prefer a more laid-back approach to life. However, getting organized early can provide peace of mind and ensure that important commitments don’t slip through the cracks.

    For David, planning is second nature. He’s a big believer in locking in key dates well in advance. “There are some things in life that are non-negotiable,” David says. “For me, those include family time, school events, and holidays.” By booking these early, he ensures they’re prioritized and that clients won’t accidentally take those slots in his calendar. This approach frees him up to be fully present when it matters most and prevents the chaos that can come from trying to manage work around personal commitments last minute.

    On the flip side, Jackie adopts a more flexible approach. “I’m not great at planning the whole year in advance because my kids’ sports schedules are always changing,” she admits. Instead, Jackie prefers to leave some open space in her calendar so she can adjust on the fly. While this can feel less structured, it’s a system that works for her lifestyle and gives her the flexibility to make adjustments as needed.

    Whether you lean towards David’s structured style or Jackie’s more freestyle method, the key takeaway is that some form of planning is essential. Early preparation helps alleviate stress, allowing you to approach the year with confidence, knowing that you’ve made time for what’s most important.

    2. Blocking Time for Self-Care

    One of the most important lessons from both David and Jackie’s experiences is the value of self-care. As massage therapists, it’s easy to focus entirely on clients and forget about personal well-being. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that in order to care for others, you must also take care of yourself.

    David emphasizes the importance of blocking time specifically for self-care. “I always make sure to book regular holidays and self-care days, just like I would book a client,” he says. “These are non-negotiable. If I don’t take that time now, I’ll end up burnt out by the end of the year.”

    Jackie agrees but admits it can be easy to neglect her own self-care when life gets busy. “There are times when I’ve gone months without booking my own massage,” she says. “But I’ve learned that, as a therapist, I need regular massage just as much as my clients do. It’s essential for my physical and mental health.”

    Both David and Jackie suggest setting aside time at the start of the year to plan self-care activities. Whether it’s scheduling regular massages, booking time off for hobbies, or simply setting aside afternoons for relaxation, these moments are essential to staying refreshed and avoiding burnout.

    3. Reviewing Annual Costs and Price Increases

    As the new year approaches, it’s also an opportune time to review business expenses and consider raising prices. Many massage therapists hesitate to increase their rates, worried that they’ll upset clients. However, inflation, rising operational costs, and personal growth as a therapist justify a reasonable annual price adjustment.

    David suggests making this a standard part of the year-end review. “It’s important to know your worth and recognize that, as costs rise, your services should reflect that. I increase my prices once a year, and I make sure to communicate it clearly to my clients well in advance.”

    Jackie echoes this sentiment but admits that price increases can feel daunting. “It’s not easy to raise prices, but if you don’t, you’ll end up cutting corners elsewhere or overworking to make up for the difference,” she explains. “By planning for it in advance, you can make sure the transition is smooth and clients understand the reasons behind it.”

    A key part of this process is transparency. David and Jackie both agree that clear communication is crucial. Sending out an email or updating clients well ahead of time allows them to adjust and ensures there are no surprises. It’s also helpful to explain the reasons behind the increase—whether it’s rising costs for materials, rent, or simply keeping up with inflation. Clients are more likely to understand and appreciate the value of your services when you take the time to explain the rationale.

    4. Staying on Top of Compliance and Certifications

    Running a massage therapy business involves more than just taking care of clients. There are several practical and legal aspects that need regular attention, including compliance with certifications and insurance.

    First aid certification is one of the most important, and it’s something David makes sure to track closely. “Every three years, my first aid certification comes up for renewal,” he says. “I diarize it well in advance so I’m not scrambling at the last minute to get it done.”

    Jackie points out that it’s easy to forget these kinds of tasks, especially when juggling a busy schedule. “You see it all the time in Facebook groups—therapists panicking because they’ve forgotten to renew their first aid or their insurance is about to expire,” she says. To avoid this, both David and Jackie recommend setting reminders and keeping a checklist of important renewal dates, such as first aid, professional memberships, and insurance. Regularly reviewing these ensures that you stay compliant and your business remains protected.

    5. Budgeting for Major Expenses

    For those running their own practice, there are often significant expenses that crop up throughout the year. Whether it’s replacing equipment, updating technology, or refreshing the clinic space, budgeting for these expenses ahead of time can save you from financial stress down the line.

    David, with his background in government planning, applies the concept of asset management to his own business. “I like to budget for major expenses in advance,” he explains. “For example, I know that my massage table needs to be serviced every couple of years and that my washing machine will probably need to be replaced after a certain number of years.”

    By setting aside funds for these inevitable expenses, David ensures that when the time comes, he’s not caught off guard. He also recommends planning for smaller, but equally important tasks, such as fire extinguisher checks, electrical test and tag services, and software updates.

    Jackie takes a similar approach, though she’s more focused on smaller, day-to-day costs. “I try to do a stocktake of my clinic supplies a few times a year,” she says. “That way, I know what needs replenishing and what’s not moving. It’s easy to get stuck with too much of something that isn’t selling, so clearing out old stock and reordering popular items keeps things efficient.”

    6. Implementing Changes to Your Schedule

    Both David and Jackie emphasize the importance of reviewing and adjusting work schedules to meet personal and professional needs. Over time, what worked in one year may no longer serve you as your life and priorities change.

    David used to work every Saturday, but last year, he made the decision to cut back to working every second Saturday. “Eventually, I’d love to get to a point where I’m not working Saturdays at all,” he says. “It’s a gradual process, but I’ve already made a significant change by reducing my Saturday hours.”

    Jackie adds that it’s essential to consider not just the number of hours worked but also the overall balance between work and life. “It’s easy to fall into the trap of overworking, especially when you’re passionate about what you do. But you need to find that balance where you can still enjoy your life outside of work.”

    Both therapists suggest taking a moment at the end of each year to reflect on whether your schedule is working for you. Are you seeing too many clients, or not enough? Do you need to adjust your days off? These small changes can make a big difference in overall job satisfaction and personal happiness.

    7. Planning for Growth and New Opportunities

    While much of the year-end planning focuses on maintaining current systems, it’s also an ideal time to think about future growth. For some therapists, this might mean expanding their services, while for others, it could involve taking on new training or exploring a different client demographic.

    David encourages therapists to look at the types of clients they’ve been seeing over the past year and assess whether those clients bring them joy. “It’s easy to continue seeing the same types of clients because it’s familiar, but sometimes it’s worth asking yourself if there’s a different client base you’d prefer to work with.”

    Jackie adds that growth doesn’t always have to mean expansion. “For some, growth might look like reducing hours and focusing on a niche area of massage,” she says. “Others might want to add new services or take a course that helps them level up their skills.”

    By identifying areas for potential growth, massage therapists can ensure that they’re not only staying engaged in their work but also continuously evolving as professionals.

    8. Reflecting on Personal and Professional Goals

    As the year draws to a close, it’s important to take stock not just of business goals, but personal ones as well. David, in particular, reflects on how his sense of satisfaction extends beyond his professional life. “I’ve realized that I need to spend more time on hobbies and activities outside of work. That’s one of my big goals for 2025.”

    He’s planning a triathlon and has invested in camping equipment for outdoor adventures with his son. By setting personal goals, David is ensuring that his life is balanced between work and leisure, allowing him to feel fulfilled both professionally and personally.

    Jackie, too, is thinking about changes. “I feel like this year has been overwhelming, and I need to prioritize taking a step back and focusing on the things that matter most to me,” she says. “It’s not just about work; it’s about finding time for family, rest, and enjoyment.”

    For both David and Jackie, reflecting on the past year helps them set meaningful intentions for the future, ensuring that they approach the new year with a sense of purpose and direction.

    Conclusion

    Whether you’re a meticulous planner like David or prefer to keep things flexible like Jackie, setting yourself up for the new year involves taking time to reflect, plan, and prioritize. From blocking out holidays and self-care days to reviewing costs, compliance, and growth opportunities, there are plenty of practical steps you can take to ensure that 2025 is your best year yet.

    Planning isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about creating a life that aligns with your values and goals. So take a moment to map out your year ahead and set yourself up for success, both in business and in life.

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