” The key to your own success and happiness lies within.” – Jon Gonzales

The key ingredient to your success and happiness will depend on self-confidence. Self-confidence is all about believing in you, by unleashing the power within. You and only you control your own destiny. Your biggest obstacle will probably be you.

The following tips are designed to help you build self-confidence by overcoming negativity and low self-esteem. In today’s changing world you will be surrounded by negativity, it is critical that you overcome the fear of failure and start on a new path towards developing excellence within personally, professionally, and financially.

Keys to your success and happiness:

What will make you Happy — clearly define your goals, then take small steps in making your goals a reality. Make these your goals. Live up to your own expectations, not the expectations of others.

Eliminate Negativity — keep positive thoughts every day; avoid negative people. Tell yourself every day you can instead of you can’t. Surround yourself with positive people that can be a great influence on your life.

Define and Eliminate Your Weaknesses — you must clearly define your insecurities, then meet the challenges you face head on, it will make you stronger. Face your insecurities with self-confidence.

No One is Perfect — it’s all right to fail, don’t try to be a perfectionist, learn from your mistakes and move on. You only fail when you give up.

Be Thankful — when you feel a little down, count your blessings like good health, family, all the positives in your life, there are many people with larger problems than your own.

Education –— the more you learn, the more confident you will become within. Always strive for self-improvement by challenging yourself every day to get better. Developing your communication skills will be a good start by helping you feel more confident. Take classes in public speaking, toastmasters would be a great start, especially if you want to develop powerful people and communication skills. when you can speak to an audience of 100 people with confidence, think of the possibilities.

Have Some Fun — smile a lot, be happy. Balance your life between work and family.

Believe in Yourself —develop a competitive spirit, challenge yourself every day, set high standards for yourself, and never accept mediocrity. You have the potential to accomplish anything you want.

Avoid Procrastination — don’t get in the habit of making excuses to fail.

Read — cultivate your mind by reading books on self-improvement and self management.

In closing, for you young people just entering the profession, keep in mind building a successful hairdressing career is a journey, not a sprint. All you need is experience and ongoing self-improvement. On your journey you will encounter many peaks and valleys, just part of the growing process. With confidence ,patience, a fierce determination to succeed, and hard work ; you will grow.

Whether your just starting your career or have many years of experience, it is my hope that these tips will help you reach higher levels of excellence. My audio CD A Hairdressers Guide to Excellence can help. Click here.