Features Research
Education Is A Journey

Illustration by Tiffany Wybouw

Successful CEU purchases depend on three critical elements: 1. Building on what you know; 2. Building on what you love; 3. Building on what is wanted.

The seemingly endless diversity of our profession is one of the reasons why I chose to become a therapist. I knew at the onset of my career that if I were to become bored with what I was doing I could refresh
my desire by learning another skill from one of the many affordable continuing education courses offered through the support network of the massage therapy association.

Some time ago, the late Edith Szasz, former Dean of CCMH 1969-1994, shared this pearl of wisdom on continuing education with her son. Edith proclaimed that she saw great value in attending workshops, no matter what the topic was about if she learned one thing, just one thing, it was worth it. I have often reflected back on those words she had for her son when I find myself in the middle of an (Aha) moment at a course.

Although the diversity of knowledge and experience makes us stronger and in turn the profession richer, for very individual reasons, each of us are attracted to a vision … perhaps more focused on a certain direction in this day and age, than in the past … motivated by the potential for something new … the opportunity to make a difference in the field of health care … to work with people in new ways. However, selecting a workshop or therapeutic direction still involves the element of choice. Choice is purely individual and something we all struggle with from time to time.

Some of our choices may end up as being good business decisions while others may turn out to be better ones. There are two paths in selecting a topic and the combination of both is essential in making a smart choice: 1. Inner-based or self-driven, and 2. Outer-based or market-driven.

Regardless of the success you are currently experiencing there is always room for improvement and growth, whether you desire to be an outstanding professional, entrepreneur, citizen, or parent.

The four critical elements of the inner based path are: 1. passion – what you have decided to learn and would love to do; 2. purpose – knowing who and what you want to become; 3. natural gifts – your talents; 4. skills and knowledge – experiences that you have made from what you have learned.

The two critical elements of the outer path are:
1. targeting a niche group of people – for example, young adults, seniors, hockey players or golfers, to name a few; 2. cracking the code – identifying what is popular today – relaxation, spa products, home visits, injury rehabilitation, athletic therapy and so on.

Cracking the code is easier than it sounds. One thing to keep in mind while you are fumbling with the combination is, if people are already buying a service, they will buy more. Pursuing a goal is a constantly evolving process. No one who has ever followed a dream has taken a direct, unobstructed path and arrived at their destination effortlessly and on time. This need for constant re-adaptation, re-formation and building on what you know, is necessary for the development of creative and adaptive skills needed for the forever changing want and need of the masses.

Regardless of the success you are currently experiencing there is always room for improvement and growth, whether you desire to be an outstanding professional, entrepreneur, citizen, or parent.

By taking responsibility for your life, your future, your continued education whether in this profession or another, all things, even the seemingly impossible, can be accomplished if you: Devote yourself to your true purpose; Follow your heart’s passion; Believe in yourself and your ideas; Prepare for challenges; Ask for the help and support of others; Creatively seek solutions; Persevere, no matter what the challenges.