Building a Thriving Career: The Lagom Way

Reflecting on the journey to where I am today, it’s been an incredible ride filled with challenges, moments of self-doubt, and the burning desire to make a difference in the well-being industry. I’ve been on both sides of the spectrum – the early days when I struggled to find clients and make ends meet and the moments when I was swamped with a mountain of tasks, only to eventually burn out. It’s these experiences that led me to a game-changing concept – Lagom.

Years of navigating the ebbs and flows of building a well-being practice have taught me the power of balance. Lagom, that beautiful Swedish philosophy of “not too little, not too much, just right” became my guiding light. It revolutionised the way I approached everything – from valuing my expertise and pricing my services to finding that sweet spot between helping my clients while maintaining my well-being.

Lagom taught me that making money isn’t a bad thing – it’s a necessity for survival and growth. It’s what allows us to continue making a positive impact, reaching more people, and providing quality services. But it’s not just about financial success; it’s about nurturing a sustainable path that benefits everyone involved.

This concept gave me the tools to find equilibrium, to balance my passion for helping others with the practical need for financial stability. It taught me that burnout isn’t a badge of honour but a sign that we’ve lost touch with that balance. It’s about understanding that I, too, deserve moments of rest and rejuvenation to be at my best for both myself and my clients.

Embracing Lagom didn’t just transform my practice; it transformed me. It helped me recognise the importance of collaboration, the significance of acknowledging my accomplishments without losing sight of the bigger picture, and the joy of celebrating transformational moments.

For those in the well-being industry, driven by a passion to make a difference in people’s lives, the journey can be incredibly rewarding. Yet, the path to success in this field often presents unique challenges. Balancing the desire to make a positive impact with the need for financial stability can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. However, there’s a guiding philosophy that harmoniously blends purpose, profit, and personal fulfilment – Lagom.

Understanding Lagom: A Swedish Secret to Balance and Moderation

Lagom, a Swedish word with no direct English equivalent, encapsulates the beautiful concept of ‘just right’ – the art of balance and moderation in every aspect of life. It’s about finding that sweet spot where neither excess nor deprivation exists. In essence, Lagom encourages us to live in harmony with the world around us, appreciating sufficiency and embracing a sustainable lifestyle.

Applying Lagom to Your Wellbeing Practice

Lagom offers a transformative approach for independent practitioners in the well-being industry. It helps you navigate the delicate balance between your heartfelt mission to help others, the necessity of financial sustainability, and the importance of your own well-being. By adopting the Lagom mindset, you’re embracing a philosophy that supports your desire to make a significant difference while ensuring your ability to continue this essential work.

Let’s explore how independent practitioners in the well-being industry can build thriving businesses while staying true to their passions and making a significant difference.

Step 1: Define Your Lagom Well-being Vision

Begin by crafting a Lagom-inspired vision for your well-being practice. How can you provide just the right amount of value to your clients without overwhelming them or sacrificing your well-being? Embrace the idea that your expertise deserves fair compensation – making money is not only acceptable but necessary for you to continue helping others.

Step 2: Embrace the Power of Purposeful Profit

Lagom doesn’t see profit as a negative force; it’s a means to sustain your mission and amplify your impact. How can you find the balance between charging a fair price for your services while ensuring they remain accessible to those who need them? Recognize that making a profit allows you to reinvest in your practice, reaching more people and creating a lasting impact.

Step 3: Cultivate a Customer-Centric Approach with Care

In a Lagom-inspired well-being practice, your clients’ well-being is paramount. How can you provide personalised, effective solutions that bring ‘just right’ results? By understanding and addressing your client’s needs, you’re not only helping them but also building a loyal and appreciative client base, which directly contributes to the success of your business.

Step 4: Foster Collaborative Connections

Lagom encourages collaboration. Are there other practitioners, local businesses, or wellness organisations you can partner with to expand your reach and impact? By creating a network of support, you can collectively offer a comprehensive range of services, better meeting the diverse needs of your community.

Step 5: Balance Self-Care and Service

As an independent practitioner, your well-being is crucial. How can you create a sustainable work-life balance that ensures you can continue providing high-quality care without burning out? Remember that your own well-being is a foundation for the well-being you provide to others.

Step 6: Celebrate Transformational Moments

Acknowledge the incredible transformation you facilitate in people’s lives. How can you celebrate these milestones in a way that feels ‘just right’? By mindfully recognising the positive changes you help create, you reinforce the significance of your work while maintaining a balanced perspective.

Step 7: Continuously Seek Lagom Harmony

Lagom is a lifelong journey. Regularly assess your practices, fees, and overall approach. Are you striking the Lagom balance – achieving both meaningful impact and financial stability? The key is to keep seeking this balance, evolving your strategies to adapt to your changing circumstances.

By embracing the Lagom way, you’re not just building a successful business; you’re nurturing a platform for positive change. Your passion, purpose, and profits can coexist harmoniously, enabling you to reach more people and make a significant impact. Remember, making money is not only necessary for survival but a catalyst for the well-being you provide to others.

Are you ready to thrive in the well-being industry, making a difference while honouring your own journey? Here are some impactful ideas that you, as an independent practitioner in the well-being industry, can implement in your practice to further embrace the Lagom approach:

1. 1. Value-Based Pricing: Consider adopting a value-based pricing model. Charge based on the value your services bring to your clients’ lives rather than simply time-based rates. This allows you to be compensated fairly for the transformation you facilitate.
2. 2. Wellness Workshops: Host wellness workshops or events that offer practical insights to your clients. These events can serve as additional income streams while providing an opportunity to impact a larger audience.
3. 3. Subscription-Based Services: Create subscription-based offerings that provide consistent support to your clients while ensuring regular income for your practice. This could include monthly wellness packages or exclusive content.
4. 4. Community Outreach: Partner with local organizations or schools to offer well-being sessions. This not only helps your community but also spreads the word about your services.
5. 5. Online Presence: Invest in a professional online presence, including a user-friendly website and active social media profiles. This allows you to reach a broader audience and establish credibility.
6. 6. Collaborative Workshops: Team up with other practitioners to create joint workshops or events. This not only diversifies your offerings but also taps into the shared success that Lagom promotes.
7. 7. Feedback Loop: Regularly gather feedback from your clients. Understand their needs, what worked well, and what could be improved. This helps you fine-tune your offerings, ensuring they remain in line with the Lagom balance.
8. 8. Gift of Wellness: Consider offering gift cards for your services, promoting the idea of giving the gift of wellness to friends and loved ones.
9. 9. Discounted Sessions: Offer discounted sessions or packages for individuals who might otherwise find your services unaffordable. This helps make well-being accessible while still maintaining a sustainable income.
10. 10. Wellness Membership: Introduce a wellness membership program that provides special perks to loyal clients, encouraging them to stay committed to their well-being journey.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between your financial goals and the positive impact you aim to make. By integrating these ideas into your practice, you’ll be aligning with the Lagom philosophy – creating a business that thrives while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Madelaine Vallin – CEO & ASHC Founder

This post was originally posted at: Building a Thriving Career: The Lagom Way – | Untangle Your Mind – Unlock Your Creative Potential | (madelainevallin.com)