I would be a terrible owner/manager if I didn't think that I could improve in my life. Improvement, however, means you need to be open to critism. It hurts to hear it but as long as you stay away from the initial reaction of defensiveness or excuse making then you're on the highway to improvement. I've had moments in my career that have made me cringe. I even locked myself in a bathroom at work about 9 years ago because a coworker said some awful truth to me. She said it right to my face and I was young and immature and it hurt to hear that I wasn't perfect. So I retreated to the bathroom and had a panic attack. It was a bad one, like the ones you hear of people having on a plane because they saw someone had more than a three ounce bottle of liquid in their hand. I didn't care how mean the girl was, I was shocked that someone called me out on my immaturity and devious behavior. As a young cosmetologist just getting started in my career I felt like I was just getting the hang of things and suddenly my bubble was burst. This bubble bursting made me want to jump off the plane at first but then after some deep breathing and a controlled cry, I exhaled and asked God for some help. He first humbled me, then he gave me guidance.
I dug myself out of that prideful hole by first asking for forgiveness from that person who intimidated the crap out of me. My palms were sweating and I hated that I put myself in this situation. Although, the person didn't want to have anything to do with me even after apologizing, I still learned from the situation. That was a huge step to maturity for me.
As a manager for many years and now an owner, self-examination is nothing new to me. For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required." -- Luke 12:48
I use to be a really competitive person with other people but that meant I was always comparing myself to others. There was another incident in my career that forced me to realize that I shouldn't examine others so harshly but to examine my own heart with x-ray vision. My competitive spirit took a new course. It didn't leave but it became a desire for Godly growth and an inner drive to see who He wants me to be in Him. I no longer envy the fame, fortune, or abilities of other people. Praise God. The growth is rewarding and less torturous than coveting another person's life that I can't have.
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Exodus 20:17
It's important to want your life more than anyone else. I'm inspired by other people and their abilities. Now, if I feel envious of someone, I immediately examine my heart and where that feeling is stemming from. Do I really wish I had that person's life or do I really think they don't have any problems? Those two questions usually remind me of all my blessings and also help me set a new goal if I believe it's attainable within God's will.
I am not a quitter and I don't allow people around me to be quitters. Someone once told me that even when I repremand them that they feel more loved because of it. That makes me laugh out loud so much it sounds crazy. It really is the desire of my heart to help others improve and live out their dreams. I just had my entire staff watch a webinar about customer service and I had a list of questions to answer. The feedback I got was exquisite! They were open and honest on where we can improve as a salon and where they can personally improve. It gave me fuel! We aren't the best we can be yet and that's exciting to me. I embrace the change and challenges to improve. Who holds me accountable for the changes to come? Conviction and the inner drive God gives me everyday to work for Him. The people that entrust their livelihood in Studio7's hands are the other driving force. They inspire me to do better all the time. When I let them down, it forces me again, to examine my heart and ask God for direction and wisdom. And on and on it goes.
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead
Philppeans 3:13
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