Think about the last time you saw somebody do something really amazing. Maybe it was an athletic event, maybe it was a magic trick, maybe it was someone absolutely cleaning up on Jeopardy! by answering questions you wouldn’t have thought anybody knew the answers to.
These incredible moments are super impressive, and usually brief—maybe a few minutes, or a few seconds, or even less. And when we are in the audience, watching other people display their phenomenal skills, those few brief moments are all we see. What we almost never get to see is what actually makes these people so amazing: the days, weeks, months and sometimes years they spend working, to gain the knowledge and skills that make them so incredibly good at what they do.
An Olympic gymnast doesn’t just wake up one day and decide to do a triple backflip! They start young, learning simple moves, practicing over and over until they are perfect, and then trying more and more difficult routines. They work out every day for hours, maintain a proper diet, find the right coaches, facilities, and equipment—it’s more than just a full time job, it’s a lifestyle. Every aspect of that person’s life is directed toward making sure they are fully prepared to perform at the highest level.
Not all of us are going to have the dedication, resources, or (let’s face it) physique to be top-level athletes, but we all understand the importance of preparation for important moments in our lives. Whether this is a single occasion, like having a friend ask you practice questions before a job interview, or whether it’s maintaining a skill, like practicing the piano regularly even if you only play for fun, preparation makes a difference when the time comes to perform. Even something as simple as cooking dinner is something you will get better at over time, if you pay attention and care about doing it well.
This is as true about doula work as it is about everything else. When it comes to working with clients, the most important thing is just showing up. But are you just showing up, or are you showing up prepared, with a good basic idea of what your client may need, and knowledge about resources they may benefit from?
Even if you’re just starting out with doula work, there is plenty you can do to get yourself ready, to make sure you are bringing your very best when it’s time to show up for clients. Do your research and have your paperwork ready to go. Know what questions to ask when you’re first meeting with a client, to determine their needs and consider how you can best be of service to them.
When it comes to excellence, the most important work happens before the big day. Putting in the time to be prepared and stay informed is the main thing that will help you meet clients with confidence. And if you ever need a little extra help finding answers or some new ideas about what’s out there and how to find it, you can always bring your questions to your IDLM family. Let’s work on being excellent together!
