No matter our respective holiday traditions, if any at all, this season serves as a collective stress test. Under increased pressure, real and perceived, we‘re simultaneously challenged to maintain and adapt our individual routines. Failing this contradictory test has serious implications for our well-being. When we abandon our normal, functional way of doing things, regardless of justification, we betray ourselves in the process.
How much self-confidence can you possible have if you can’t trust yourself to protect your best interests?
Perspectives vary according to past experiences and expectations for what the season brings, but every year, the anticipation (or dread) of the holiday season begins months in advance. What determines when the season starts and how long it lasts? The dictionary defines the holiday season as “the period of time from Thanksgiving until New Year.” In actual practice, the season starts sooner and lasts longer now that Halloween decorations and celebrations have become incredibly popular and holiday sales launch early enough to coincide with back-to-school campaigns, if not earlier.
Aside from our obligations and other commitments of time and resources, we’re burdened by unrealistic expectations like working longer hours to accommodate every possible client. Cue the memes depicting exhausted beauty pros. Read through posts containing text messages in which existing clients, or potential clients, make absurd requests, forget their appointments or otherwise behave badly. These memes and posts would be funnier if they weren’t so relatable as evidence of our shared frustrations. Granted, some beauty pros have these unwelcome experiences year-round, but that we associate them as an inevitable part of the holidays signals a deeper problem: a lack of confidence.
“Experience tells you what to do; confidence allows you to do it.” – Stan Smith
We avoid and neglect doing what needs to be done and blame the holidays for disrupting our lives. We tell ourselves that sacrifices must be made and prioritize others to avoid disappointing anyone. That’s unfortunate because reinforcing the value of caring for others above caring for ourselves undermines our confidence and resilience. As a beauty pro and salon owner, as a parent, spouse and caregiver, I refuse to sacrifice my physical and mental health for the sake of doing more business.
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.” – Golda Meir
What’s your routine for managing your personal and professional responsibilities? If that works for you, why change anything during the holidays? How long does it take after the new year to recover your sense of normalcy? Do yourself a favor and resume your routine as soon as possible, unless what you do during the 75% of the year that’s not the holiday season doesn’t work well. In that case, it’s past time to implement a routine that produces the desired results. Trust and prioritize yourself, and prepare now to maintain your routine throughout the entire year.
An earlier version was published by Beauty Cast Network.