Did Your Personality Choose Your Career?

We almost all think we are masters of our own fate. While it is true that we all make our own choices there are many things that influence what we choose. Ask yourself: Why do some people choose professions that help only themselves while others of us choose professions that help those in need?

Health and wellness professionals all share the desire to help others. Our work is commendable and very important, but why do we choose the profession we're in?

Professionals in the "caring jobs" share some unique qualities. We're almost always creative, sensitive and nurturing. We also almost all share a willingness help others in every way possible and suffer pangs of guilt if we say "no." Our willingness to help sometimes comes with a price. It leaves us vulnerable to burn out.

"?some clients can be draining to even the most enthusiastic wellness professional"

Burnout is often the result of a professional feeling overwhelmed with his or her job responsibilities. Let's face it caring for others can be a burden. Even if you love your job facing unmotivated, clients can be draining to even the most enthusiastic wellness professional. Add to this any inside pressure from trying to make a decent living, dealing with negative attitudes of coworkers or pressure with sales commissions and you're on the road to feeling more negative yourself.

Caregivers tend to burn out more quickly than others because we typically put the needs of those around us first. By the time we are through dealing with the issues of our clients, families and friends we have little left for ourselves.

So how do you deal effectively with those clients who seem to have a "seek out and destroy" personality? Simple, you learn to develop your own "repair and replenish" skills now and make them an important part of your everyday routine.

Make it a point to be more aware of your surroundings. Try to notice the little things that bring joy to your life and take a moment to reflect on them.

Learn to say "no" - not all the time but some time. When someone asks for another piece of your time, a little more of your energy, or is looking for you to commit to their newest project, take the time to know if it's the right choice for you. Make it your personal policy to never give an answer that you haven't had at least 24 hours to think about -there's much to be said for the adage of let me sleep on it.

Nurture yourself with a trip to the gym, a visit to a day SPA, tickets to your favorite play or concert. Even a leisurely walk can be a rejuvenating gift.

Talk, talk and then talk some more. Find peer professionals that share similar values and goals and talk about work. Some think it's taboo to talk about work on your days off but in reality it is important to be able to share your feelings and frustration with someone who understands how you feel and their feedback can be very helpful.

Vacations aren't just what other people do. You earn the time too. Take your vacation time all together or in shorter bursts. What ever works for you is fine - just take those days and forget about work for awhile.

Sometimes a nurturing personality can open the door for our own wellness to suffer and it is up to each person to find the tools that help to keep them on track and healthy. By learning to say no, nurturing yourself, becoming more aware of your surroundings, talking to a trusted peer and taking a break when you can, you'll be able to find a healthy balance in your professional and personal life leading to greater business success and satisfaction.

* Registered US Copyright, Angela Butera Dickson, 2004

About The Author

Angela Butera Dickson is a full service, freelance copywriter offering some of the best prices on the web. From articles to brochure copy, ghostwriting to marketing letters, she can help you cultivate a polished, professional business image. You can view her rates and publication policies from her website www.angeladickson.com

angela@angeladickson.com