Inspire Others, Reinvigorate Yourself

I hate to admit this, but the truth is that sometimes I fall into a slump when it comes to running my studio.

Dealing with the same administrative tasks, working with the same students, and running into the same issues from week to week can leave me a little drained from time to time, no matter how much I absolutely love what I do (and I really do!).

I have a network of colleagues and friends who run their own businesses as well, so I know that I’m not the only one who struggles with burnout occasionally. When I feel it coming on, I know exactly how to nip it in the bud before it takes over.

I first discovered the answer to my burnout woes when I attended a national music therapy conference a few years back. Being surrounded by like-minded people and learning new strategies for my studio definitely recharged my battery, but it wasn’t until the end of the conference that I felt the remainder of my “slump” fade away.

On the last day of the conference, I gave a presentation about running a private practice and teaching studio, and not only was it well-attended, but I could see that I was providing “lightbulb” ideas to my peers. Those facets of my business that had seemed stale to me were just what they needed to hear, and answering their questions left me excited about returning to my studio.

Ever since, I make it a habit to regularly offer myself up as a source of information to others who aspire to do the things that I have successfully achieved when it comes to my business. Over the years, opportunities to inspire have included:

• Skype and in-person interviews with high school and college classes
• Serving as a mentor to high school and college students as well as interns and new graduates
• Presenting workshops through my local federation of music clubs
• Speaking at conferences and events in my area
• Blogging and sending out newsletters

Most of the time, doing these things does not involve compensation — at least, monetarily. But it never fails that afterwards, I get that surge of energy which pushes me forward in my own business. And not only do I benefit from that, but so do the families I serve.