We’re about to enter into the fourth quarter. The year is winding down. The whole “New Year, New Me” movement is quickly approaching.

We’re also facing a very transitional time within the beauty space as some people are entering the industry, some are leaving it, and some are getting really specific on the services they want to offer and extra particular about the clients they want to work with.

In other words, it’s a time of change.

With change comes opportunity. The opportunity to really hone in on who you are as a person and as a beauty industry provider. An opportunity for self-betterment and growth. An opportunity to transform your career.

This week, I’m giving you three key steps you need to take to get you on the right track in order to do just that.

Step #1: Brainstorm

First things first. Put pen to paper. I have found that getting a piece of paper and simply writing down everything that’s in my head allows me to create space in my mind and organize my thoughts.

As hairstylists, we are artists. And with that creativity often comes disorganization. Sometimes, we’re a hot mess. And that’s okay!

But, I want to encourage you to take all that mess out of your head and dump it onto paper.

Ask yourself questions like:

• How does your morning routine look like?

• How does your evening routine look like?

• What does your current schedule look like?

• What would your ideal schedule look like?

• What people are in your life right now?

• Do you want all those people to remain in your life?

• What are the things in your lifestyle that you really enjoy?

• What are the things in your lifestyle that you don’t enjoy?

• What do you want to achieve in your career?

• What is the worst-case scenario if you go in that direction?

• What is the best-case scenario if you go in that direction?

Write down the answers to all those questions. It may look messy, but what matters is that you’re getting these thoughts out of your head and onto paper.

Next, I want you to think about your vision of the future and what it is you want to accomplish, and start crossing out the things that don’t fit with these goals.

Then, start adding things that DO fit until you have clarity on where you want to go and what you need to do to get there.

Step #2: Mindset

Life isn’t always easy. It’s going to throw curveballs at you. Relationship issues, career issues, financial issues… You name it.

That’s why having the right mindset is so important. But what does that mean?

It means being intentional.

So take one minute out of your day, preferably in the morning, and ask yourself who you want to be that day.

For example, you could say:

“Today, I’m going to be courageous. I’m going to be strong. I’m going to be wise. I will pursue what I want. I’ve got this.”

It’s so important to indulge in this type of positive self-talk. If we say these affirmations to ourselves, eventually, we will begin to believe them.

I truly believe that if you start your day by setting your intentions, it will help you overcome the challenges that you will inevitably encounter.

Step #3: Action

Now that you have set your intentions, it’s time to create an action plan. What will you do that will allow you to become the person that you desire to be?

Taking action could look like...

• Practicing self-care by eating healthier, exercising more, and getting more rest.

• Getting better at your craft by seeking out mentors who can help you improve your skills.

• Surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage you and cheer you on as you are pursuing your dreams.

… etc.

But, remember – this part isn’t always easy. And you won’t see change happen overnight.

It takes constant practice. Practice that will eventually become a habit.

But I promise you will be surprised at how much you can achieve if you stay intentional, focused, and consistent.

We cannot become who we want to be by remaining who we are.

I believe that we can either be brave and lean into our calling or pull back because we are scared. So, who are you going to be today?

Listen to this episode of Beauty Business Game-Changers Podcast here.