EP.363: Curiosity: The Secret To Private Practice Success

You're stuck in the endless loop of "I'm not ready yet." You keep adding certifications, reading more books, and waiting for that magical moment when you'll finally feel confident enough to start your practice or raise your rates. Here's the thing nobody tells you about that confidence you're waiting for: it's not coming. At least not in the way you think it will. Because confidence isn't something you acquire and then use - it's something you build through action. But there's something even more powerful than confidence that successful dietitians use to navigate uncertainty, connect with clients, and build thriving practices. What if the very thing you think is holding you back, not knowing enough, not feeling ready, is actually your greatest business asset? What if curiosity, not confidence, is the secret weapon that transforms fear into freedom and doubt into discovery?   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE In this episode, I'm sharing why curiosity beats confidence every time when it comes to building a successful nutrition practice. This is for dietitians who are tired of waiting to feel "ready" and want to start taking action from a place of genuine engagement rather than manufactured confidence.  Here’s the breakdown:  Why the confidence trap keeps you stuck in analysis paralysis and how to break free The neuroscience behind why curiosity and fear can't coexist (and how to use this to your advantage) How leading with curiosity makes you magnetic to ideal clients instead of trying to prove your expertise Three specific practices to cultivate curiosity in your business and client interactions Why curious dietitians naturally develop authentic confidence that doesn't depend on knowing all the answers The ripple effect of curiosity on your pricing, boundaries, and client attraction   RESOURCES & LINKS Free Resource: The Private Practice Foundations Blueprint  Related Episodes: Episode 205: Curiosity Episode 223: Resiliency   CONNECT & TAKE ACTION Find Christine: Email: [email protected] Podcast: Make More Money as a Dietitian on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Community: Join 1200+ dietitians in The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community  Instagram: @money.mindset.dietitian Website: manipuracentre.co Your Next Steps: Step 1: Get Curious & Take Action Pick one area where you've been waiting for confidence and ask: "What would I try if I were curious instead of scared?" Step 2: Get Coached Explore working with Christine directly through 1:1 coaching to transform your relationship with your professional identity at manipuracentre.co/booking Step 3: Join the CommunityConnect with other dietitians transforming their careers in our free Facebook group, The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community    

You're scrolling LinkedIn, seeing other dietitians crushing it while you're wondering if you made a mistake choosing this profession. You look at your career and think, "How did I end up here?" You're so deep in the day-to-day struggle that you've forgotten all the incredible things you've already accomplished. I get it. When you're dealing with financial stress, career uncertainty, or that nagging feeling that you're not living up to your potential, it's easy to lose sight of your wins. You start questioning everything - your skills, your worth, whether this whole dietitian thing was the right path. But what if I told you that everything you need to remember your worth is already in your story? What if the proof of your capability, your resilience, and your future success is hiding in plain sight in the life you've already built?   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE In this episode, I'm sharing my entire story through the lens of gratitude so you can see how to reframe your own journey from struggle to strength. This is for dietitians who feel stuck or uncertain but need to remember just how far they've already come and what they're truly capable of.  Here’s the breakdown:  How to see your RD credentials as the foundation of expertise they truly are (not just a piece of paper) Why your business struggles don't erase your proven capabilities The power of recognizing gifts you might be taking for granted How to shift from "nothing's working" to "look what I've already built" Why your willingness to keep evolving is actually your greatest strength How to use gratitude as a tool for rebuilding confidence and clarity The difference between temporary circumstances and permanent capabilities This episode will help you see that even in challenging seasons, you are not failing - you are becoming.   RESOURCES & LINKS Free Resource: The Private Practice Foundations Blueprint - Start your private practice with confidence. Related Episodes: Episode 342: The Journey Is The Destination Episode 340: Writing Your New Story-Creating an Identity That Matches Your Vision   CONNECT & TAKE ACTION Find Christine: Email: [email protected] Podcast: Make More Money as a Dietitian on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Community: Join 1200+ dietitians in The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community  Instagram: @money.mindset.dietitian Website: manipuracentre.co   Your Next Steps: Step 1: Write Your Own Gratitude Story Take 20 minutes and write down everything you've accomplished, overcome, and built. Your story is proof of your worth, you just need to see it clearly. Step 2: Transform Your Story into Your Success Journey If you're ready to stop doubting your worth and start building the career you actually want, explore the Aligned Success Academy at manipuracentre.co/aligned-success Step 3: Join the CommunityConnect with other dietitians transforming their careers in our free Facebook group, The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community    

Ever catch yourself daydreaming about setting your own schedule, choosing your own clients, and getting paid what your services are really worth? You're not alone. So many dietitians tell me they want to start their own private practice, but they're stuck wondering if it's actually possible to make real money in the first year. Maybe you're tired of asking permission to take time off, exhausted from workplace politics, or frankly just over feeling undervalued despite your expertise. The thought of having your own private practice sounds amazing, but then reality hits - the overwhelm of not knowing where to start, the fear of financial instability, the voice telling you that most nutrition businesses fail. You've invested years of your life and thousands of dollars getting the education and credentials to help people transform their health. You have knowledge that can literally change lives, yet you're settling for a paycheck that barely covers your groceries. And somewhere along the way, you started believing that maybe this is just how it is for dietitians: that we're supposed to be grateful for whatever crumbs we get. NO. Absolutely NOT.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE In this episode, I'm sharing the exact 4-phase blueprint for building a 5-figure private practice in your first year, so you can stop dreaming and start building the private practice you actually want.  Here’s the breakdown:  The #1 mistake dietitians make when starting their private practice (and why it keeps them stuck in preparation mode forever) My 4-phase blueprint that takes you from idea to 5-figure business in 12 months The exact pricing strategy that makes 5-figures achievable with just 2-4 clients per month How to get your first paying clients without needing a huge following or expensive marketing The 5 mindset shifts that separate successful practice owners from those who struggle Your specific next steps based on exactly where you are right now   RESOURCES & LINKS Free Resource: The Private Practice Foundations Blueprint - Start your private practice with confidence Related Episodes: Episode 194: When Business Growth is Hard Episode 184: You Are A Leader   CONNECT & TAKE ACTION Find Christine: Email: [email protected] Podcast: Make More Money as a Dietitian on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Community: Join 1200+ dietitians in The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community  Instagram: @money.mindset.dietitian Website: manipuracentre.co   Your Next Steps: Step 1: Assess Your Phase Determine where you are in the 4-phase blueprint Step 2: Set Your 90-Day Goal Choose one specific milestone to focus on Step 3: Join the Community Connect with other dietitians transforming their careers in our free Facebook group, The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community    

You want both: The freedom to design your schedule around your life AND the income that reflects your expertise. If you've been told you have to choose between flexibility and financial success, this episode is for you. Maybe you're the dietitian working all hours, taking calls during family time, and feeling like you're always "on." Or perhaps you're afraid that setting boundaries and creating the schedule you want will cost you clients and income. What if I told you that having both freedom and money isn't just possible -  it's the key to sustainable success? Here's the truth that nobody talks about: The dietitians making the most money aren't grinding themselves into the ground. They've figured out how to work with intention instead of desperation, how to attract clients who respect their boundaries, and how to create multiple income streams that don't require them to be constantly available. They've designed businesses that serve their lives, not consume them.     WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to stop choosing between the life you want and the income you deserve. This isn't about working less and hoping for the best - it's about working strategically so you can have both the freedom to live on your terms and the financial success that reflects your expertise.  Here’s the breakdown:  Why the "choose one or the other" mentality is keeping you stuck and attracting the wrong clients The three key strategies that allow successful dietitians to have both freedom and high income The 5-step practical roadmap to design your practice around your life without sacrificing money Mindset shifts that separate experts from people-pleasers (and why this matters for your rates) Real talk responses to every objection your brain is throwing at you about why this won't work   RESOURCES & LINKS Free Resource: The Private Practice Foundation Blueprint - Start your private practice with confidence Related Episodes: Episode 331: Unlearning Scarcity Episode 329: Breaking Free From The “I’m Not Here for the Money” Mindset in Dietetics   CONNECT & TAKE ACTION Find Christine: Email: [email protected] Podcast: Make More Money as a Dietitian on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Community: Join 1200+ dietitians in The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community  Instagram: @money.mindset.dietitian Website: manipuracentre.co Your Next Steps: Step 1: Track Your Business Hours for 1 Week Write down every minute you spend on work (including mental energy) to see where your time really goes. This time audit is a critical step of awareness; don’t skip it. Step 2: Join the Community Connect with other dietitians transforming their careers in our free Facebook group, The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community Step 3: Join the Aligned Success Academy WaitlistReady to have both freedom AND money? Explore the Aligned Success Academy and get on the waitlist here.    

Picture this: You're scrolling LinkedIn and see a post from a dietitian with 15+ years of experience, multiple certifications, and incredible client results. She's talking about her private practice, but then she says something that makes your stomach drop: "I hope $150 per session isn't too much to ask for my services. I don't want to be greedy." Fifteen years. Multiple certifications. Life-changing client transformations. And she's apologizing for charging what a new personal trainer charges for a single workout. If this scenario makes you cringe, you're not alone. But if it makes you cringe because you recognize yourself in it, then we need to talk. Because here's what I know after mentoring hundreds of dietitians: the biggest factor determining your income isn't your credentials, your niche, or even your marketing strategy. It's your confidence.       WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE In this episode, I'm sharing why confidence is your most profitable business asset and exactly how to build the kind of unshakeable professional confidence that directly translates to higher income. This is for ambitious dietitians who know they have so much more to offer but find themselves stuck in cycles of undercharging, over-delivering, and apologizing for their expertise.  Here’s the breakdown:  Why brilliant, experienced dietitians chronically undervalue themselves (and how this impacts your entire career) The hidden financial cost of low confidence (it's way more than you think) How your confidence level directly impacts your clients' results and their willingness to pay premium rates The 4 Pillars of Profitable Confidence system that changes how you show up in your business Specific daily practices to build self-worth that can't be shaken by rejection or criticism How to reframe the "I should be grateful" mindset that's keeping you financially stuck The confidence-pricing connection: why raising your rates actually serves your clients better   RESOURCES & LINKS Free Resource This Month: The Private Practice Foundation Blueprint - Start your private practice with confidence Related Episodes: Episode 41: Creating Confidence Episode 150: Comparing Yourself To Others   CONNECT & TAKE ACTION Find Christine: Email: [email protected] Podcast: Make More Money as a Dietitian on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Community: Join 1200+ dietitians in The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community  Instagram: @money.mindset.dietitian Website: manipuracentre.co Your Next Steps: Step 1: Stop Apologizing Starting today, notice when you apologize for your rates, your expertise, or taking up space. Awareness is the first step to change. Step 2: Join the Community Connect with ambitious dietitians transforming their careers in our free Facebook group, The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community Step 3: Build Your Evidence Start an Evidence Journal today - write down every client win, testimonial, and breakthrough you create. Your confidence needs to be built on facts, not feelings.      

Ever find yourself sitting in your car after another frustrating workday, wondering how someone with your education and expertise can feel so... stuck? That voice in your head saying "there has to be more than this" is recognizing that you have so much more to offer than your current role allows. Maybe you've been feeling like your clinical job is slowly draining your passion for nutrition. You know you're meant for more, but the thought of leaving that steady paycheck has you frozen in place. Here's what I want you to know: wanting to be paid what you're worth isn't greedy, and feeling underutilized isn't a character flaw. With over 112,000 RDs in the U.S. and growing demand for nutrition professionals, there's never been a better time to create the career you want. But first, you need to understand why the traditional system keeps many dietitians feeling stuck, and more importantly, how private practice can be your path to professional freedom.     WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE In this episode, I'm sharing the exact 3-phase roadmap to transition from employed dietitian to thriving private practice owner so you can finally get paid what you're worth while helping people on your terms. This is for ambitious RDs who feel stuck and undervalued in traditional roles but want to create professional freedom without sacrificing financial security.  Here’s the breakdown:  Why 112,000+ RDs are growing in demand but many still feel stuck and underpaid (and it's not your fault) The real reason the median RD salary of $73,850 doesn't reflect your true expertise and value Why specialization is your secret weapon (there are under 1,000 specialists in most nutrition areas) The 3-phase roadmap: Foundation (months 1-6), Testing & Building (months 6-18), and Full Transition (months 12+) How to build your private practice while keeping your day job (no risky career leaps required) The mindset shift from permission-seeker to decision-maker that changes everything Why "I don't have business skills" is keeping you trapped (spoiler: you already have them) How private practice breaks geographical limitations and opens unlimited earning potential   RESOURCES & LINKS Free Resources Mentioned: The Private Practice Foundation Blueprint - Step-by-step guide to Phase 1 of your transition Related Episodes: Episode 256: You Can Be and Do Anything Episode 255: Slow & Steady Growth Data Sources Discussed: Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) - Current RD/RDN statistics Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment projections and median wages   CONNECT & TAKE ACTION Find Christine: Email: [email protected] Podcast: Make More Money as a Dietitian on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Community: Join 1200+ dietitians in The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community  Instagram: @money.mindset.dietitian Website: manipuracentre.co Your Next Steps: Step 1: Get Your Foundation Blueprint Download the free Private Practice Foundation Blueprint at manipuracentre.co/blueprint to start Phase 1 of your transition today Step 2: Join the Community Connect with ambitious dietitians transforming their careers in our free Facebook group The Make More Money as a Dietitian Community Step 3: Get Weekly Insights Sign up for the Manipura Centre Newsletter for mindset tips and business strategies at manipuracentre.co/newsletter   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT HIGHLIGHTS "You don't need permission to want more. You don't need to justify why your current situation isn't enough. You don't need to wait until you feel 'ready enough' or 'qualified enough' or 'confident enough.' You need to decide that you're worth the effort it takes to create something better." "Here's the mindset shift that changes everything: You're not learning how to be a business owner. You're learning how to own the business skills you already have." "When you specialize, when you own your niche, you're not competing with 112,000 dietitians. You're one of maybe a few hundred, or less, who know your specific area inside and out."    

Sometimes the most powerful move is admitting when you've been playing small. Today, I'm revealing my own journey with imposter syndrome and why I'm changing this podcast back to its original name: "Make More Money as a Dietitian." This is NOT about going backwards; it's about finally having the courage to own what we've always been about. Because here's the truth: every conversation about money is really a conversation about self-worth. Every struggle with pricing is actually a battle with confidence. And every time you undervalue your work, you're letting imposter syndrome win. Through raw honesty and hard-won insights, we're exploring why your desire for financial freedom isn't something to apologize for;  it's actually your intuition telling you that you're ready to step into your full power. Whether you're building a private practice, navigating career transitions, or simply tired of playing small, this episode will give you permission to want more and the confidence to go get it.     WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The real story behind why I changed the podcast name (and why I'm changing it back) How imposter syndrome shows up in your pricing, boundaries, and professional decisions Why every money issue is actually a self-worth issue in disguise The connection between financial freedom and personal transformation How undervaluing your work feeds the cycle of self-doubt Why the world needs you to make more money (yes, really) The identity shift that happens when you finally believe you're worth it How to recognize when you're letting fear steal your confidence   This episode is a rallying cry for every dietitian who's ready to stop apologizing for wanting more. It's time to trust yourself – with your career, your money, your private practice, and your life.     TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Come join us in Money Mindset Mastery & More, our amazing Facebook community where dietitians like you support each other, share wins, and create magic together. This is where we're having real conversations about building fulfilling careers, creating sustainable success, and transforming our relationship with money. Remember, the journey to financial freedom is so much sweeter when we walk it together!  

Are you drowning in student loan debt while trying to build your dietetics career? You're not alone. In this eye-opening interview with Lauryn Williams of StudentLoanPlanner.com, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about student loans in our profession, where dietitians are often overeducated and undercompensated. Whether you're making $30K in clinical or growing a private practice with variable income, this episode delivers the straight talk you need about managing your student loans without derailing your career dreams. From income-driven repayment plans to loan forgiveness options you might not know exist, Lauryn breaks down complex information into practical steps you can take immediately. I even get vulnerable about my own student loan journey (yes, even after years in the profession!), because it's time we stop letting money shame prevent us from taking control of our financial futures.     WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why "sticking your head in the sand" is the #1 student loan mistake and how to break the avoidance cycle The truth about income-driven repayment plans and how they can make your monthly payments manageable on a dietitian's salary How to determine if Public Service Loan Forgiveness could cut your repayment timeline from 20-25 years down to just 10 years The surprising truth about loan forgiveness at the end of income-driven plans that many dietitians don't know Practical strategies for dietitians juggling both student loans and business growth How to start taking action on your loans without shame or overwhelm Why your student loans don't have to force you to abandon your dietetics career   This episode is a must-listen if you've been avoiding looking at your student loan statements or if you're wondering if you'll need to leave dietetics to pay off your debt. The truth is, you can create a sustainable career AND a realistic repayment plan – but first, you need the right information. Remember, your dietetics education wasn't a mistake – it was an investment in a career path that allows you to transform lives through nutrition. Don't let student loan fear rob you of the profession you're passionate about. This conversation with Lauryn will empower you to face your finances head-on and create a repayment strategy that honors both your professional expertise and your financial well-being.     TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Visit StudentLoanPlanner.com to schedule your consultation. Their team of experts will create a customized plan based on your specific situation, helping you navigate the complexities of student loan repayment with confidence.   Additionally, come join us in Money Mindset Mastery & More, our amazing Facebook community where dietitians like you support each other, share wins, and create magic together. This is where we're having real conversations about building fulfilling careers, creating sustainable success, and transforming our relationship with money. Remember, the journey to financial freedom is so much sweeter when we walk it together!    

Okay, let's talk about the money elephant in the room. You know that awkward tug-of-war happening inside you? The one between genuinely wanting to help people and also needing to, well, pay your bills? Yeah, that one. Look, I get it. Most of us got into nutrition because we care about people, not because we were chasing big paychecks. But here's the thing – I see way too many amazing dietitians extending sessions without charging, answering texts at 10pm, and feeling straight-up guilty about raising their rates. Meanwhile, they're financially stretched and burning out fast. In this episode, we're getting real about those money stories that keep us stuck. We're talking about how that "I should help everyone" mindset might actually be preventing you from creating the impact you're truly here to make. Because let's be honest – you can't pour from an empty cup (or an empty bank account).     WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The real reason you feel guilty about charging what you're worth (hint: it's not actually about money) Those sneaky money stories we've all absorbed like "I should help everyone regardless of compensation" and "charging more means fewer people can access care" What happens when you get stuck in the overgiving trap (and why it's actually hurting your clients too) A super simple exercise to figure out what's really going on with your money mindset How to talk about your rates without breaking into a nervous sweat Why your ability to receive might be more important than your ability to give     This isn't just another "charge what you're worth" pep talk. We're getting into the nitty-gritty of why you might be sabotaging your own financial success, how that's affecting your ability to show up for your clients, and what to do about it. Because the truth? You don't have to choose between doing meaningful work and making good money. You can actually have both. Whether you're just starting your practice or you've been at this for years, this episode will help you break free from those patterns that keep you overworking and underearning. It's time to create a relationship with money that actually supports the impact you want to make in the world.     TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Join Aligned Success Academy! As a member, you'll get exclusive access to our proven money mindset & lifestyle framework created specifically for dietitians. This is your opportunity to transform RD career and create success that truly resonates with your authentic self. [JOIN HERE]   Additionally, come join us in Money Mindset Mastery & More, our amazing Facebook community where dietitians like you hang out and share all of these things. This is where the magic happens - where we support each other, dream bigger, and create lasting change together. Head over to the Facebook Group and join your colleagues who can't wait to welcome you. Remember, the journey is so much sweeter when we walk it together!    

So many of us find ourselves checking all the boxes of "success" while still wondering if we're on the right path. In this episode, we dive deep into what I call the "clarity crisis" – that frustrating experience of being technically successful but fundamentally confused about what you actually want. I'm sharing my own journey from scattered success to aligned clarity, and why getting clear on your values isn't about limiting your options – it's about liberating your energy to flow in directions that actually matter to you. If you're tired of second-guessing your choices, comparing yourself to other dietitians, or feeling disconnected from the career you're building, this episode will help you reconnect with what truly matters to YOU.     WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The critical difference between achievement-driven goals and values-aligned vision How to recognize if you're experiencing a "clarity crisis" (and why it's so common among high-achievers) The crucial distinction between values and validation (and why mistaking one for the other leads to hollow success) Practical approaches to uncover your authentic values beneath layers of "shoulds" and expectations How to design a vision that genuinely excites rather than overwhelms you Creating simple "decision filters" that make daily choices easier and more aligned     Stop building a business based on what a successful dietitian "should" do. This episode cuts through the noise of comparison and external expectations to help you distinguish between achievement for validation and success that's actually aligned with who you are. You'll learn how to recognize when you're in a clarity crisis and practical tools to find your way back to what lights you up. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to realign an established practice, these insights will help you build a professional life that feels like yours, not someone else's version of success.   TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Join the waitlist for the Aligned Success Academy! As a waitlist member, you'll get exclusive access to our upcoming 5-day Alignment Activation challenge and be the first to know when enrollment opens. This is your opportunity to transform that quiet discontent into purposeful action and create success that truly resonates with your authentic self. [JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE]   Additionally, come join us in Money Mindset Mastery & More, our amazing Facebook community where dietitians like you hang out and share all of these things. This is where the magic happens - where we support each other, dream bigger, and create lasting change together. We're currently in the middle of our 21-day Aligned Success video series, and it's not too late to join in! This is where real conversations about sustainable success happen—no toxic positivity, just honest strategy and genuine connection. Head over to the Facebook Group and join your colleagues who can't wait to welcome you. Remember, the journey is so much sweeter when we walk it together!