Hey Reader,
These days between Christmas and the New Year are always refreshing. We just spent (hopefully) quality time with friends and family. We're feeling a bit nostalgic looking back at the year, while also anticipating a fresh start on January 1st.
If you haven't done it yet, take a minute to reflect on this 1 question.
We're making a toast to your biggest achievement(s) this year. What are we celebrating?
You may look at your list and feel extremely proud. You might even be overly impressed with what you accomplished. But, there's also a chance you're a little bummed. And that's okay too. Things didn't go like you wanted. Maybe there was a surprising tragedy or challenge that derailed some goals from coming to fruition.
That's why I like asking this next question.
Think about everything you went through this year. Who have you become because of it?
Your challenge(s) made you resilient, empathetic or humble. Your accomplishment(s) made you more bold, courageous or wise. Celebrating character development is oftentimes more important than the milestone itself. It's not what you accomplished, it's who you became to be able to accomplish it. That's what actually matters. Who did you have to become in order to achieve it?
In the midst of all the trends in barbering, this is the one I hope to see more of in 2025. Celebrating the overall well-being of the barber. Acting as a cornerstone to your community comes at a cost. As your clients sit in your chair for some self-care, you must also take care of your-self.
Prioritizing your whole self is crucial to the longevity of this career. Maintaining your physical health, mental/emotional health, relational health and spiritual health is tough to juggle.
With a couple days left in 2024 and coming off of a busy holiday season, take some much needed time to reset and recharge. You deserve it.
When considering goals for the year, I typically categorize them into these 5: physical, relational, financial, spiritual and vocational. I'll write down no more than 2 SMART goals in each category and will revisit them on a monthly basis, adjusting when needed.
Whether you take additional time to reflect and look forward, or if your time of reflecting was simply reading this email...wishing you a happy new year.
Alright, finished with No.80. See you in 2025!
P.S. After intentionally writing for the last few years, I have some exciting news to share that will expand my writing in 2025. Without sharing all the details, I'm looking for 25 barbers who are interested in being part of a focus group.
As a member of the group, you'll share your opinion and insight on specific topics related to the barber industry that will shape published articles. If you're interested in learning more to see if it's something you'd like be part of, please reply to this email with 'Focus Group'. I'll follow up with the details. Thanks for considering!
Written by: Matthew Mendoza
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