Energy = Success: Is Yours Positive or Negative?

New Year, NEW ENERGY!

Reflect on Your Space

When you think about the space where you spend most of your time (whether that's the barbershop or a suite), are you aware if that space is more of a positive or negative vibe?

If it’s positive , consider yourself lucky because in the climate we live in today, negativity is all around us and it’s louder than ever. People are quick to blame everyone else for the things that are wrong in their lives.

If you realize it is negative, I would invite you to really ask yourself if you are aware of the energy you are putting out.

The Energy in Your Barbershop

In a barbershop space, the energy should be open and collaborative, and if it’s not, it's really easy to point out those who don't fit in. One thing to remember though is that the shop environment isn’t just for you; it's primary for your clients comfort. If you’re not adding and consciously choosing positive energy, you may be the one giving it a negative charge.

First Impressions Matter

It is true when they say; your energy introduces you even before you speak. I am positive that anyone reading this knows that moment when you meet someone new and they’re joyous or they have a bright energy about them- you really want to get to know them more. In other cases, however, you just feel like you never want to cross paths with them again.

Sometimes you have only a moment to leave an impression on people, especially in the barbershop space.

The Power of Positivity

I’m a believer that having good energy, a workable personality, and being around people who make a conscious effort not to bring down the vibe, are more likely to succeed. They become more memorable and most of the time, you want that type of person around more.

In my line of work, which frequently involves team members performing various tasks, the success of our shoots, events, or shows isn't just because a few people did what they were supposed to do. Rather, it's the result of individuals who went above and beyond their duties, with everyone collectively aiming for the highest results possible.

I have personally made it a goal to consistently deliver more than expected, whether I'm in a shop, on a show floor, or in a shooting studio. I strive to always be fully attentive and put forth my best effort. The impression I aim to leave is that my absence would be felt – that my energy and contribution are essential to creating a progressive and collaborative vibe. This mindset has made me a valuable team player. It's reflected in my work, recognized by those I've met, and understood by the organizations I've worked with. This ethos, which began in the barbershop, has stayed with me as I've ventured into new spaces. It has become a habit that people notice and appreciate. It's not just a practice; it's a way of life and how I wish to be remembered.

Understanding Personal Energy

This concept is crucial for both new and seasoned barbers, as developing personal energy and awareness requires continuous effort, much like learning how to cut hair. These skills are muscles that need to be constantly worked on and strengthened. As we evolve as individuals, so does our work ethic. It's all too easy to fall into a stagnant routine if we're not periodically checking in with ourselves.

I recall a line from a book I read that has always stayed with me:

This has made me more mindful of the present, making sure that I'm aware of all aspects of my life. It helps me continue to build a life that is fulfilling to me, avoiding getting trapped in a mundane cycle of engaging in activities that a) I don't care about, b) don't believe in, or c) don't resonate with who I am and where I'm headed.

Vibe Check: Self-Reflection Questions

1. What times of the day do I feel most energized and productive?

• This question helps you identify your peak performance hours. Understanding when you are most energized can guide you to schedule important tasks during these times.

Everyone is motivated by different things. For me, when I start working for the day, I like to be busy with back to back tasks and appointments. If I don’t have that kind of schedule lined up, I have a list in notes that helps me find more things to do. Think of it like when a client no-call no-shows. Are you just going to sit there in the chair and waste time? There are plenty of things you can do today to make use of that time that would be more progressive for your growth. I create task lists everyday to help me stay on top of all my work and it helps a lot to reflect back into when time opens up and something else needs to get handled. 

2. Ask Yourself: How does my work environment affect my mood and energy levels?

• This encourages you to consider the impact of your physical workspace on your energy. Factors like lighting, noise, and comfort can significantly influence mood and productivity.

Space Vibes: If one person is off, it could disrupt the entire workflow on a busy day. It’s beneficial for teams to have shop meetings to perform energy checks, ensuring everyone's well-being and seeing where you can support one another. You could be the positive change in someone’s day, rather than a downer that negatively impacts it.

If the shop vibe isn't inviting, voice your opinion to co-workers and your boss to explore ways to improve the ambiance. While people may hesitate to speak up, your thoughts might reflect what others are also feeling. In larger shops, especially, there are a variety of personalities. I remember being in a big barbershop where some enjoyed psychobilly music, which wasn't my preference, and it often left me feeling annoyed. We eventually held a meeting to create a music schedule that considered everyone's tastes, balancing client preferences and shop vibes.

Personal Life Events: I fully understand that life happens. One of my favorite principles, instilled in me by my boss at my first shop, was this: when you walk into the barbershop, leave any personal issues at the door and revisit them after your shift. It's not fair for new clients encountering YOUR brand or the shop's brand to get the impression that you don’t care about their business. If that happens, they might choose other shops. Attracting great clients is already challenging, and retaining them is another task altogether. I value every client to the highest standard because it not only reflects your customer service skills, but one negative experience can ruin your reputation. You should be cautious and aware of the brand you are building for yourself and others. You only have one reputation. Remember, this affects barbers globally in terms of how people perceive us in a professional workspace.

3. Ask Yourself: What kind of tasks or activities make me feel enthusiastic and motivated?

• Recognizing the tasks that invigorate you allows you to seek out or prioritize these activities, leading to increased satisfaction and energy at work.

Work duties often include a morning setup for everyone. At the shop I worked at, if you were one of the first two to arrive, you'd do the shop a favor by loading and steaming towels for the day. This always felt good to do for others. It kept the flow going and was appreciated by everyone. On days when I ran out of towels, someone else would gladly help me with theirs because we always looked out for each other, making those little details important in those moments. This is about building value in the space you inhabit. Ask yourself: Where can you contribute without being asked? We're all grown up enough to know what we need every day during our scheduled times. Help out. It’s not solely up to the boss or shop managers to do everything. While some shops might have a designated person for these tasks, most of the time, it really falls on us. In every shop I’ve worked in, it’s been this way.

Maybe it’s personal pride for me, but this approach has always led me to build better habits. At the end of the day, I can say I gave every chance my all to contribute, and that’s something I can be proud of. I don’t want to be compared to the average barber who does the bare minimum. I want people to value me and possibly see those things and promote me to a higher position. This happens in the corporate world regularly; why don’t we apply ourselves the same way in the barbershop space? WHERE raises are often created by US. I never received a raise in a barbershop from a boss or someone in charge; I made it available to myself through the work I put in. Think about that. There’s no ceiling for us. We can achieve whatever we want if we can build value around something that benefits others.

4. Ask Yourself: How do I react to stress or challenges at work, and what does that say about my energy management?

• This question prompts reflection on coping mechanisms and resilience. Understanding how you respond to stress can highlight areas for improvement in energy management.

It's beneficial to reflect on this because these are areas you can improve. Take, for instance, receiving a bad review. Initially, you might want to argue, insisting you did everything right and the customer was wrong. However, in the customer service world, it's generally better to defuse the situation. A bad review can negatively impact both you and the shop, especially on platforms like Yelp where reviews are permanent. This is particularly critical for shops that are just starting out. A single uncontrolled reaction to a client could harm the establishment in its early stages of business.

Becoming less reactive and more in control is something I've been working on for a long time. Now, I feel good about not getting angry over the various unexpected incidents that can occur in a barbershop. Plus, earning people's trust is crucial. This becomes even more important when you start working with brands. They need to be confident that everyone they hire is level-headed.

5. Ask Yourself: After interacting with colleagues or clients, do I feel drained or energized, and why?

• This helps in identifying the impact of social interactions on energy levels. It can aid in developing strategies for energy conservation in social settings, especially important in client-facing roles like barbering.

As an introvert, I’m drained after spending the day expanding energy around people, and I know this. When I teach classes and have to interact with many people, I’m drained by the end. So, I have to do things that counter those moments so I can fill myself back up. Learning about yourself in these situations will teach you so much about things you can work on, and when you can overcome them and get to a better place, you’re going to look back at it and feel better about yourself.

What you put out into the world comes back to you. Energy is reciprocal, whether we see it or not, so it’s important that you are in control of it at every moment.

You have an opportunity each day to create change in your life that will lead you to build the life YOU CHOOSE and that is why every moment you have, matters!

Call to Action: Transforming Insights into Daily Habits

As we embrace the energy of a new year, I challenge you to integrate these ideas into your daily routine. Start small, but be consistent. Here are a few actionable steps to consider:

• Morning Reflection: Begin each day with a quick self-check-in. Ask yourself, "What energy am I bringing into my space today?" This sets a conscious tone for the day.

• Positive Affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations into your morning ritual. Affirm your ability to create a welcoming and energetic environment.

• Team Engagement: If you're in a team setting, like a barbershop, initiate a a moment of collective positive focus daily. This builds a shared sense of purpose and energy.

• Mindful Breaks: Throughout your day, take short, mindful breaks. Use these moments to recharge and refocus, ensuring you maintain positive energy.

• End-of-Day Reflection: At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on what went well and what you could improve energy-wise. This helps in continual personal growth.

Remember, the goal isn't to be perfect, but to improve each day, not just in your own life but also in the lives of those who share space with you. Aim to be a memorable part of someone else's day. Keep in mind that people are facing their own struggles behind closed doors. We may not know what's happening in their lives, but whenever you have the opportunity to do something nice and kind for others without expecting anything in return, it could make a significant difference in their lives. What may seem small to you could be monumental in someone else's journey that day.

Wishing you a life-changing 2024, because a lot can happen in a year!

Cheers to a new year of conscious energy and impactful habits!

Sof!