↓

Hey there,

I just spent a few days in Yosemite with my family and we went on a hike. When we looked at the map, I thought it was going to take 3 hours and it ended up taking 5 hours.

As I'm in this season of building my clientele in a new city, it got me thinking about how being a barber is a lot like going on a long hike.

Hear me out.

Preparation

You put on a pair of hiking shoes, pack some snacks, fill up your water bottle, throw on some screen screen and load up the car. You arrive excited and ready to go.

The Start

Your initial start is full of excitement, you're feeling good. Taking in the sights and sounds, breathing in the fresh mountain air.

The First Hill

And then you start going up the first hill. It ends up being a little steeper and a little harder than you thought. You wonder if you put on the right pair of shoes. As you're breathing heavy, you turn to your friend and make a comment about the hill being harder than you thought.

The First View

Look at that view. You're high enough to see a beautiful view. It's impressive how far you've come in such a short time. This view reminds you why you're on the hike in the first place. You keep pressing on.

Getting Lost

Taking a look down at your watch, you've been hiking for a while and wonder if you're going the right way. You pull out the map and realize you read it wrong. The hike isn't 2 miles, it's actually 5.5 miles. This isn't what you signed up for. You have to decide whether it's worth it or not. After some thought, you decide to keep going.

Taking a break

At this point, you're tired and need a break. This isn't going to be a walk in the park. The break is necessary to refuel with some snacks and water. Your thoughts jump back and forth between questioning if this hike was a good idea and also trying to figure out how you're going to finish this thing.

Persevering

At some point, you make the decision that you're committed. You've gone too far to turn back now. It's helpful that there are hikers headed the opposite direction who tell you that the hike is worth it and that you're almost there.

Reaching the summit

You eventually make it to the top! It was worth it. My old basketball coach used to say 'Success is not a destination, it's a journey.' You may be at the destination but you also appreciate the journey.

Making the connection

Every barber goes through this journey. From the preparation, to the start, to the first hill, the first view, getting lost, taking a break, persevering and eventually reaching the summit. It's a journey.

One day you have 3 clients and go home wondering if you made the right decision. The next day you have 10 clients and are hyped. One day you get a bad review and question your skills. The next day you get a 5 star review singing your praises.

Where ever you find yourself on the hike today, you're not alone.

Alright, finished with No.92. See you next week!

Taking the Barber Exam Soon?

I'm hosting a free webinar on Tuesday April 15th at 9AM PST. It'll be 45 minutes with an open Q&A portion. If you're taking the exam soon, I highly recommend registering. And if you can't make it live, still register. I'll send you the recording.

Written by: Matthew Mendoza​​
​
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Made some change? Update your preferences If you no longer want to receive emails from Barber Doza you can unsubscribe here.​