Stop. You're Doing It Wrong.

I was newly out of massage school, working at Club Fit in Briarcliff Manor.

I'd taken a short continuing education class on Myofascial Release. A couple of hours. Nothing intensive.

A new client came in and asked, "Do you know how to do Myofascial Release?"

"Yes," I said.

We'd covered it briefly in school. I'd just taken that CE class.

I started working on her.

She stopped me.

"Stop. You don't know what you are doing."

"You need to introduce yourself to Scott V. in the PT department. You need to learn from him."

What Happened Next

At first I was shocked.

I really thought I knew what I was doing.

But I love to learn and take classes. (My soul sister bestie CeCe says it's my addiction.)

And I'm an extrovert, so it was easy for me to go to the PT department and ask for Scott.

"Hi, my name is Wendy and I just worked on one of your patients and she said I need to learn from you."

Scott said, "It just so happens that I am teaching a fascial/pelvis Myofascial Release class next month. You should take the class."

The class was over $700 plus hotel.

I signed up right away.

The Client I'll Never Forget

I don't even know her name.

But that woman changed the trajectory of my career.

Not by being nice. Not by smiling politely and never coming back.

By being blunt.

By refusing to let me stay mediocre.

What That Class Taught Me

Scott's fascial/pelvis Myofascial Release class—based on the John Barnes approach—was completely different from what I'd learned in school.

What Massage School Taught Me:

Hold a stretch for 2 minutes.

Watch the clock.

Wait.

Move on.

It was boring. When you're staring at a clock, 2 minutes feels like forever.

What John Barnes MFR Taught Me:

Sink down until you engage the fascia.

Wait.

Listen to what the body needs.

Respond.

The fascia changes. Restrictions release. Sometimes it takes several minutes. Sometimes the fascia asks for more pressure. Sometimes less. Sometimes it sends you to a completely different part of the body.

That's what makes this work fascinating.

Even if you work on the same client for years, they present differently each session.

Stress. New injury. Diet. Water intake. Exercise.

Healing old layers reveals new ones underneath.

When I Told This Story in Class

A student in my Saturday workshop—Save Your Hands, Extend Your Career—was upset when I shared this story.

She didn't like that a client had talked to me that way.

I get it.

It didn't feel good in the moment.

But here's what I know now: that client gave me a gift.

She could have just smiled, paid, and never come back.

Instead, she told me the truth.

And because of her, I didn't waste years thinking I knew something I didn't.

When Feedback Actually Helps

I just read the evaluations from Saturday's class.

I'm always a little afraid to open them.

Not because I can't handle criticism.

Because most people won't tell you the truth.

They'll mark "excellent" across the board even when they know something could be better.

They don't want to hurt your feelings.

But the founding members who came to Saturday's workshop? They told me the truth.

What to spend more time on. What to spend less time on. What I missed.

Because of their feedback, the next class will be better.

That's what real support looks like.

Not protecting someone's ego.

Helping them grow.

The Lesson I Keep Learning

Years ago, when I was writing my book Bod-E-Nomics, I gave the first draft to my husband's mom.

She said, "Everything is great."

Then I gave it to my friend Bobbi.

She made a ton of corrections and wrote at the end:

"You need an editor and Toastmasters."

I listened.

I hired an editor. My book is way better than what I had originally.

I joined Toastmasters and stayed for 10 years. My speaking skills improved immensely.

If Bobbi had just said "great job," I would have published a mediocre book.

If that client at Club Fit had just stayed quiet, I would have spent years doing mediocre bodywork.

Who Tells You the Truth?

There's a difference between a friend who has your back and a mentor who pushes you forward.

Both matter.

But if you only surround yourself with people who protect your feelings, you'll never grow beyond where you are right now.

So here's my question:

Who in your life tells you the truth?

Not to be mean. Not to tear you down.

But because they see your potential and won't let you settle.

If you don't have someone like that, find them.

And when they tell you something uncomfortable—when they stop you mid-session and say "you're doing it wrong"—don't defend yourself.

Listen.

Because the most uncomfortable feedback is usually the most valuable.

The Class That Changed Everything Is Happening Next Week

The Myofascial Release training Scott V. taught me all those years ago?

That's what I'm teaching YOU December 6-7.

MFR Essentials: A Hands-On Journey Through the Fascial System

16 CE hours. Intimate class size (only 8 spots). NCBTMB approved.

This is the training that teaches you to sink in, listen, and respond—the way I learned after that client stopped me and told me I was doing it wrong.

Small Business Saturday Gift: Early Registration Extended Through November 30

$299 (regularly $720) use code: EARLY

After November 30: $360 Founding Member Pricing

Only 8 spots available.

Register now: https://lp.goddesshealingroom.com/mfr-essentials

Can't make December?

Join me for Save Your Hands, Extend Your Career on January 17.

4 CE hours (upon NCBTMB approval) focused on saving your hands and extending your career.

Early Bird: $75 (use code EARLYJAN through December 27)

Beta Pricing: $90 (use code BETA1JAN - no expiration)

Register now: https://goddessapproach.com/self-focused-saturday

Your Body is Your Business and YOU are the CEO.