Some years ago I read a book that highlighted influential persons and their lives. What made this book especially different was the author noticed characteristics that were similar in these powerful people, even though their background, cultures, ages and professions differed greatly.

Being around successful Holistic Practitioners for many years, I've noticed similar traits in each of them. They might practice in different countries, or different modalities but there are common characteristics that stand out and seem congruent with each.

As we enter the new year, and I'm encouraging Practitioners to become more bold, I thought it would be helpful to highlight the characteristics so you too can emulate them.

1. Passionate
This is a hallmark: Passion. Passion for their modality/modalities they offer, passion for assisting others in their healing process. And passion for alternative methods.

2. On Purpose
All know they are here for a greater purpose, and that they feel called or compelled to share what they have with the world. Many have come to their Practice as a second career. They have shared with me that they feel "on purpose" when they are treating their patients and clients.

3. Great Communicators
I've noticed that Holistic Practitioners are incredible listeners and communicators. They seek to understand their client and their challenges and offer solutions to serve.

4. Desires Excellence
Many Holistic Practitioners have come to their modality after struggling with a chronic challenge themselves.

They know what it is like to suffer and perhaps are better Practitioners for it. With this, comes the desire for excellence. Don't mistake this for perfectionism. I'm speaking here of someone who hones their craft and is dedicated to being an exceptional Practitioner.

5. Steps Out of their Comfort Zone
This is especially true when it comes to not only seeing patients and clients, but with marketing themselves. Practitioners know: "No marketing, no clients." I've noticed that Powerful Practitioners put themselves out there because they are driven to serve more people. To do so, they get out of their comfort zone and promote themselves and their service.

6. Connection driven
Holistic Practitioners seem to thrive on connection. They love connecting with their clients, and also others in their field. Some Practitioners. I've observed if Practitioners do not regularly connect with others in their field, they can take on "Lone Ranger" Syndrome. Knowing this, they create space and community with other Holistic Practitioners for the support and community., such as through a community of like minded Practitioners.

I invite you to reflect on these characteristics and notice which ones you can foster. You might recognize that you are indeed passionate but need to work on stepping out of your comfort zone. What can you do this coming season to step out of your level of comfort and become more powerful?

Or you are already passionate about what you do, but are realizing you need to foster connection with other Holistic Practitioners, how can you do this now?

Know that you can develop these 6 traits and become a Powerful Practitioner. The world and your community needs you. And you'll be amazed at who you become in the process.

(c) 2009 AnaMaria Herrera, EFT Practitioner, Classical Homeopath and Expert Marketer

AnaMaria Herrera, director of Practice Building Institute.com, is devoted to teaching Holistic Practitioners how to consistently attract clients, build a thriving practice and make more money doing what they love.

Through her workshops, coaching programs, and products, AnaMaria shows her participants and clients how to create an ideal practice that gives them fulfillment and freedom.

If you enjoyed this post, you'll love AnaMaria's down-to-earth, highly effective marketing and mindset products to help you consistently attract clients and develop unstoppable confidence while building your practice and living your passion. To get a F.R.E.E. Audio and receive weekly tips on marketing strategies that draw ideal clients to you, visit: http://www.PracticeBuildingInstitute.com