"Just Do It" - A Client

I’ve been working on embracing the imperfect. Which actually means not being so hard on myself. And a consequence has been that I’ve started getting better at creating imperfect hair. Natural. Lived-in. Not intentional looking.

Being imperfect intentionally. Which has resulted in more flow and a result closer to my vision. Ironically, though, letting go has meant being more precise. Maybe not in the way that we want precision to look (again, a perfectionist’s problem), but in a broader more systematic and conscious effort—focused. Nothing intentional results from chance.

It’s work. The only difference between the guy doing it and the guy wanting to do it is whether he's doing it or not. The guy doing it was where the guy wanting to do it is. We all start at the same place. Why would we be hard on ourselves then, compare, and feel less than? Compare away, but constructively. Besides, I don’t want to do what the other guy is doing, I want to do my own thing! Doing builds confidence. All perpetually easier said than done.

Part of what I wanted to do as a barber was build relationships. It's a big part of the craft. This philosophy and MO stems from how I came to understand health and nursing, and practiced it. Relationships are the key to a good life. We're all in it together. I have been blown away by how nice people are. How kind clients are. And how they speak into me.

You’ve actually done this directly!

I’ve been struggling with inadequacy from day one of deciding to be a barber. Imposter syndrome. All the stuff we’re talking about above. Recently, my clients have very really reminded me of my worth, my craft, my pursuit, my “doing it.” They’ve challenged me to continue better. To change. To see myself differently. More graciously. More confidently. As a barber. To intentionally be imperfect.

Which really helps put things in perspective.

Thanks 🙂