When I was in beauty school, I had a plan, and I thought I knew exactly how it was all going to pan out. Once I passed my boards, I thought… okay, this is it! It’s time to check off my future goals:
- Work at a salon ✓
- Build a clientele ✓
- Move to LA ✓
However, I quickly realized that you cannot discover your identity by checking off a list of goals. You might wake up in the morning with each and every one of your “plans” marked complete, but it’s important to realize that your future is still in progress. As I was working hard to meet my goals, I realized I needed to find my inner self, not the check-off-list version of myself. When you are planning for your future, you can’t plan too far ahead because life constantly changes and the unexpected can happen, but you also don’t want to remain stagnant. This is tricky, I know!
In my opinion, it’s best to take one step at a time and learn from that step before moving forward. It’s necessary to learn from your experiences and be flexible. I truly believe that if you want to move up and up and up, you need to search hard for your true self, and you need to maximize your gifts. Many of my clients tell me that they’ve felt pressured to go to school and seek a conventional occupation, yet they are really passionate about something else. While college is a promising path for some, you do not need a four-year degree to be happy. Whatever you decide to do with your passion, you should strive to be the best at it!
Push your checklist aside and live for the moment. I think about the future, of course, but I am happy with where I am right now, and I am going to take time to enjoy it! Even I often feel pulled in different directions: Do I want to kickoff my own product line? Do I want to open a beauty school? Should I expand my business and open a salon and/or other studios? I honestly don’t know what will transpire, but when it happens, I need to be ready to take that next step!
Consider these three steps when you are planning for the future:
1. Take a small step toward your future.
2. Learn from taking that step.
3. Take another step.
If you are feeling stuck in a rut, know that God has better plans for you! The following saying is true: When we make plans, God laughs! Just make sure you learn from that previous step before you take your next because as we grow, we learn who we really are and who we are meant to be!
What goals do you have for yourself in the future (near or far)? Please COMMENT and SHARE below! ♡
“No matter where you go, it could all be simple. You just have to believe in impossible things and impossible things will begin to happen.””
My responses to three of your "Ask Larisa" questions:
1) Monique Ruiz asked: "I have wavy, frizzy hair. I have tried mousse, leave-in conditioners, hair creams... you name it and nothing works. What do u suggest I use ? Help!!"
LL: My favorite product for frizzy curly hair is a brand new product by "It's a 10" called Miracle Cream. It takes away all frizz and makes your hair so much more manageable. Xo
2) Nicole Vega asked: "I just wanted to let you know that you've been such a huge inspiration to me. I recently graduated beauty school last April and seeing all your post and how much you've grown in this industry is amazing! Thank you! I was curious, what color lines do you use? I understand cutting way better, but color fascinates me so much, and I want to learn as much as I can!"
LL: I basically use all color lines. I choose a certain line depending on what color I need. I use Schwarzkopf, Goldwell, ISO, Kenra, Pravana, Scruples etc. Basically almost every color line. Xo
3) Mayra Cardentti asked: "Do you have any recommendations or tips for people with thin hair? I find it so hard to do my hair because I feel it doesn't look as well as people with thick beautiful hair. I know you've recommended your vitamins, but they are a little pricey for me at the moment. I was wondering if you had any other suggestions."
LL: You say you can't afford the vitamins, but that is my best suggestion. You honestly get what you pay for. The Hair, Skin & Nails vitamins work magically. They will add length and thickness to your hair (not to mention amazing, long, strong nails & a clear face).