| My hair in 2009. |
| My hair in 2014. |
The problem with going on a self-improvement journey is that when you get to your goal, you don't really feel any different. I had been working out nearly everyday for a year, maintaining a healthy hair routine for two years, and perfecting my skin routine for just as long. The results we're so gradual there wasn't this "Aha!". There was daily improvements that suddenly added up to the goal.
The only thing that gave me the "Aha!" and really blessed me about reaching this goal was when other people would ask me what the secret was or advice on how to do the same thing. I absolutely loved sharing my "secrets" and encouraging them to take the first steps. This surprised me because I am not naturally social, but there is something that wakes up inside of a person when you see the thirst of another for knowledge. It forces you out of your shell. So here is my advice to reach your Beauty Trinity.
| On the left was me after neglecting my workout and overeating for a few months. On the right is after I got back into my routine for 3 months. |
1. Research: Honestly, without this there is nothing. I spent hours on youtube looking up skin, hair and fitness routines. Some of the videos were from channels that barely had hits, but their wisdom was profound. I also went on forums and read comments. I rarely used magazines or professional sites to help me. Why? Because they felt like recycled garbage just to fill their article quota. The real meat is with real people who have experiential knowledge to drop.
2. Start Small: It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the information out there, but you don't have to do everything. Just pick one or two things to start doing and commit to them. In the beginning I was trying so many things and buying so much stuff that I quickly felt like changing was beyond me. Pick something that is easy to incorporate in your routine and once you feel that is working for you then add another step. Or replace that first step if you did not see results. The goal is to keep moving forward.
3. Be Consistent: This has been the key for me. I committed to changing. That meant that I didn't do something for a day a week or a month, but an entire year. Yes, a year! I know that seems like a lot, but in my opinion you will not see real positive and lasting results unless you stick with it for a significant amount of time. Are there times when you are lazy? Yes, but letting your routine lapse once in awhile is not going to matter in the span of a year.
4. Don't Be Afraid of Set Backs: In the journey you will have set backs. It is a fact. I had many. Some that made me want to just quit, but then I thought about how far I've come. and how far will I be in a month, 6 months a year from now if I keep going. If you accept that nothing in life is perfect you will be prepared for the down times. Commitment to anything is a mental battle. Arm yourself with the tools dig yourself out the pit when you fall.
4. Be Patient: This is the hardest part. Physical change doesn't happen overnight nor quickly. There will be large blocks of time when you feel like nothing is happening. It's not true. Take pictures of yourself at regular intervals to track changes. Even if no one else sees them the pictures will tell the truth. Even if it is a small difference. At least you know that change is happening.