Chapter 1: The Nature of Challenges

Before stepping into the Thai massage establishment, I was greeted by a sign that read, “This is a professional business.” Bold reminders at the front counter emphasized, “We do not offer any sexual services.” Even within the massage room, additional notices on the door declared, “Do not request sexual treatments.”

It’s disheartening to see those providing a culturally rich health service struggle against such misconceptions. Even thousands of kilometers from home, they’re still haunted by stereotypes of “happy ending” massages.

However, this is the challenge they have chosen to confront. Are large signs the only solution? If they are ineffective, might a shift in branding be necessary? Perhaps adopting a more upscale aesthetic could deter inappropriate clientele. Could a more radical approach work, such as offering a different type of massage entirely and moving away from Thai branding?

In Germany, many Vietnamese individuals operated under the guise of “Chinese” restaurants before the culinary landscape diversified. Was this the ideal scenario? Certainly not. Yet, it simplified their lives and boosted their profits, enabling them to thrive until authentic Vietnamese cuisine became popular among Germans.

In both life and business, we inherently select our challenges based on the nature of our endeavors. Every industry, market, and location presents its own set of hurdles. The real question is: which challenges do you prefer to face? Some obstacles are more manageable than others, particularly if they align with your strengths.

Even if you feel somewhat trapped due to years of training as a massage therapist, there’s still room to maneuver. You are not a static figure; you are always making choices. How adaptable are you willing to be in showcasing your skills? Would you consider ghostwriting instead of not writing at all? Can you temporarily put your identity on hold until your finances improve? These are challenging yet essential questions.

While it’s impossible to foresee all the obstacles you’ll face, if you find yourself battling futile issues daily, the rational — albeit often difficult — solution is to pivot. Choose your challenges with care.

Chapter 2: The Power of Adaptation

Nik’s new book, 2-Minute Pep Talks, is available now! This collection features 67 bursts of inspiration designed to instill hope, comfort, and love in any circumstance. With over two months of daily motivation across five categories, it encourages self-acceptance, reminds you to pursue what you truly desire, and offers the rarest resource: hope. Whether you need a boost, fresh insights, or additional motivation to chase your dreams, this book is for you — especially if you long to reclaim that joyful, optimistic spirit we all had as children.

Discover more from The Good Men Project on Medium:

• The 10 Most Haunted Places in the United States

  Explore the real haunted locations that inspired countless movies and TV shows.

• The #1 Reason You’re Not Getting the Physical Intimacy You Want (And How to Fix It)

  Uncover the link between pleasure and intimacy.

• The #1 Reason Your Wife Says No to Intimacy

  Delve into the underlying issues affecting physical attraction and connection.

This article was originally published on The Good Men Project.

About Niklas Göke: