Being a dance studio owner in this day and age requires a multitude of talents not only artistically, but also businesswise and psychologically. So if we are going to be reasonably well-balanced and remain relatively sane, it is important that we pay attention not only to running our business and being creative, but also to helping ourselves maintain a good standard of physical and mental health.
John Patterson was an extremely successful businessman in the 1800s. He was a thinker, a reader, a strategist, a trainer, a salesman and a leader. The principles that he believed in contributed to his success, and these principles still hold true today in 2009. He broke them into five categories: physical, mental, moral, financial and social. He felt that it was imperative to take care of all five aspects of life in order to achieve success in life.
THE PHYSICAL
Eat simple food. Eat regularly and sleep regularly. Eat small portions. Exercise even for short periods of time, daily. Get some air. Take in sunlight or artificial light. Drink water. Wear comfortable clothing.
THE MENTAL
Think in a calm and logical way. Learn from people who are mentally superior. Read the best publications and books. Improve your memory. Concentrate. Do not worry unnecessarily. Be systematic in what you do. Weigh the pros and the cons. Avoid inferior minds.
THE MORAL
Understand that right is right and wrong is wrong. Be truthful. Look for recreation that will inspire you. Dont deceive yourself. Learn to say no. Live up to your principles. Form good habits. Keep yourself in good health.
THE FINANCIAL
Increase your earnings. Decrease any unnecessary expense you may have. Save money. Money makes money. Invest money wisely. Make a budget. Work hard. Study your business. Increase your credit balance.
SOCIALLY
Avoid bad associates. Select friends who are helpful. Think by yourself. Learn to be happy in your own company. Family is generally your best company. Work out your problems by yourself. Stay away from phony society. Entertain economically. Be respected by your neighbors. Help with charity work.
I find it interesting that over two hundred years later these principles still stand. The importance of taking care of ourselves has never been more essential because of the stresses of modern day life and the challenges that bombard us from every direction every day. I keep this list handy and look over it from time to time to remind myself that balance is important not only in dance, but in our daily lives as well. A studio owner is an artist, a business executive, a counselor, a leader and a psychologist all rolled into one. Other people are counting on us to produce and find solutions and make them feel good. Share some of these ideas with your staff so that everyone who surrounds you at work can be on the same page and therefore contribute to offering a better product at the end of the day.
