We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Campas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.
Michael, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
During my time in massage school, I grappled with numerous fears. I worried about whether I’d truly make a difference, the possibility of accidentally hurting someone, and whether I had made a mistake by pursuing this course. I questioned my ability to feel anything beneath the skin and wondered if I lacked the necessary touch or intuition. Financial concerns also loomed, and I feared receiving criticism from everyone.
The anxiety would often reach its peak just before I saw clients in the school clinic. In those moments, I’d take deep breaths and offer up prayers. My nervousness was palpable.
However, I mustered the courage to open up to my Massage Mentor, John, about these fears. He reassured me, saying that he understood precisely what I was going through and that confidence would come with time. He advised me to place my hands on as many bodies as possible and suggested I look for volunteer opportunities on the school board. I embraced his advice, wholeheartedly saying yes to every opportunity, especially those involving charitable work. I began working with a diverse array of individuals from all walks of life, backgrounds, and with various challenges, including children, adults, cancer patients, and abuse survivors.
With each experience, I began to feel like I truly belonged in this field. I could witness the positive transformations not only in those I worked with but also within myself. Slowly but surely, my initial fears dissolved, and I’ve been free from them for quite some time now. Sharing my fears with John turned out to be a pivotal moment on my journey, and I’m grateful for the growth and confidence I’ve gained.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’d like to share a bit about how I embarked on this journey in the field of massage therapy. In 2011, a motorcycle accident resulted in a major injury that not only put a halt to many of my career aspirations but also left me with persistent pain and limited range of motion.
A few years down the road, a friend of mine landed a job at a spa and invited me to visit. The spa was stunning, and she kindly offered me a massage. I hesitated, fearing that it might worsen my injury, and I was self-conscious about my body. She assured me that her friend, Leslie, was exceptionally knowledgeable about the body and possessed a remarkable intuition. In just one hour, Lesley transformed the quality of my life.
She not only relieved my physical discomfort but also educated me about my own body, working what seemed like magic. My fears dissolved, and I physically felt better. It was in that moment that I realized this was the path I wanted to pursue. I believed that if someone like me, who was once fearful and in pain, could experience such a transformation, I wanted to be able to offer that same healing power to others.
About a month later, with a mixture of fear and determination, I enrolled in massage school, and my entire life took a new direction. Inspired by my own experience of pain and transformation, I now focus on helping individuals who are like I once was—afraid and in pain. My specialization includes pain management, prenatal massage, and pre- and post-surgery care. My primary focus revolves around understanding the intricate relationship between muscles, tendons, and bones.
Every person is unique, much like their own personal Rubik’s cube. This aspect makes my work consistently enjoyable and challenging, like solving a puzzle with each client.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Moving through this journey with integrity has been a vital part of my experience. To be honest, prior to enrolling in Massage school, I had not excelled academically. So, I set a personal goal to give it my all. I familiarized myself with the potential achievements and dedicated myself to achieving them. I diligently completed every piece of homework, consistently performed well on tests, and never missed a single day. My dedication paid off as I graduated with perfect attendance and attained every possible achievement.
Setting and achieving this goal taught me accountability, respectability, punctuality, professionalism, and the value of my efforts. It was an unexpected transformation for me. I once heard someone say that the way you perform is based on the way you practice, and that concept now makes perfect sense to me.
Building confidence was crucial when I first entered this field with extreme fear and low self-esteem. Fortunately, I received advice to volunteer as much as possible with various charities and events. One piece of advice I’ll never forget is simply to “get in there.” Over time, as I worked with many different bodies, my confidence naturally grew. These actions were akin to watering a plant. I made sure to be consistent in nurturing this growth, ensuring that this “plant” would thrive rather than wither. As a result, I developed significant confidence in my field and formed meaningful connections with the people around me. I didn’t anticipate the vast network that would evolve from this experience, but it has turned out to be a rich and expansive one.
Remaining engaged in my work was another important aspect of my journey. My mentor wisely advised that if I ever found myself bored with my work, it was a sign that I had become a boring therapist. This humorous insight served as a good indicator for pursuing further education, which I did without hesitation. Anytime I sensed boredom creeping in, I knew it was time to expand my knowledge. I would take 2 to 3 classes every year to nourish my curiosity and thirst for learning. This approach kept me up-to-date on the latest research, modalities, and skills, and I was recognized as knowledgeable, modern, and current. Reflecting on this, it seems I have a knack for taking suggestions and following through with dedication.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Currently, my primary challenge is establishing my own garden to cultivate the abundance that I’ve gathered. In other words, after working as an independent contractor/employee in various places, I’ve reached a point where it’s time for me to have my own office or clinic, something that’s truly mine. It’s both exhilarating and intimidating. The idea of starting something new in an unfamiliar territory, dealing with the business aspects, and managing taxes can be overwhelming at times. However, deep down, an inner voice keeps urging me to move forward, and I know this is the path I’m meant to follow.
I’ve been exploring different office spaces and navigating through various obstacles. I also have a strong sense that once I establish my place, I’ll have an abundance that will allow me to bring in fellow therapists to share in the success. So, I envision having my own little clinic with other therapists working alongside me. This natural progression of my work has brought me to this point where I want to share the wealth I’ve built. Despite my inclination to feel like a “fearful” person, I’m determined to keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: Bodyhaus.com
- Instagram: Bodyhaus_inc and sparrows_nest
