Falling on the path of least resistance certainly may be tempting, and even justifiable, to submit to the current circumstances and be defeated. Accepting that these unprecedented times are completely out of control is essential, but certainly individuals still have power over one thing, and that is attitude. This one critical factor is the game changer to what fuels actions, and one way or another paves the way for certain outcomes to manifest.

As aestheticians, many would agree that the gap can be quite small between being the client’s skin guru to also being their shrink. After all, aestheticians dedicate themselves to creating a safe space for their clients to step out of their everyday routines, inspiring a shift in the client’s state. The goal is to leave clients looking and feeling uplifted, or at the least, better than they were before they came.

WHAT NOW?

There are no clients walking through the door, and as a professional it is okay to worry for  the business. The stress over how to pay the bills, how to keep the business thriving, or perhaps having to step into the role of becoming a homeschooling parent are all things most professionals are dealing with right now. Embrace it and do not suppress it. Once an individual faces what is truly unnerving, they become ready to hear that they are not powerless during this crisis.

Although many aestheticians outwardly may be out of work, consider this – find the will and create the way. Think outside the box. What can you be doing that will make you excited, while sowing the seeds for present sustainability and future fruition?

MINDSET

Think of physics, Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion: an object in motion will remain in motion and an object at rest will remain at rest unless it is interrupted by a force. This law of inertia applies quite accurately to human’s natural tendency to move with the tide. According to inertia, consider the object to be us, the aesthetician. For obvious reasons, an aesthetician at rest, or inactive, will remain there without self-imposed force because there is a natural resistance to change. Change requires entering a realm of the unknown, maybe learning new skills, becoming extroverted for an introverted person, or a slew of other possibilities.

An aesthetician in motion, on the other hand, already has the upper hand to come out on top once the dust settles. This is where we consider the physics definition of momentum, a moving object has a tendency to continue to stay in motion, and its exact momentum is calculated by multiplying its weight and speed. What is interesting is that when progressing along a straight path, a large object moving slowly can have exactly the same momentum as a small or lightweight object moving fast. Moral of the story: solo aesthetician or large spa, the scales are balanced, everyone has an equal and fair chance to grow in every given moment.

Why is momentum important to every aesthetician and business owner? The direction of movement, backed by the magnitude of your tenacity or determination, is the professional’s momentum. I have slightly modified the original momentum equation, and I invite you, with it in mind, to increase and propel your own momentum that will lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness.

GENERATE HAPPINESS

 Being positive does not mean being happy all the time. Happiness is something that stems from gratitude. Short-term happiness is only temporarily gratifying, and in the current stressful times of COVID-19, what really counts is developing habits that will lead to long-term happiness. It is so easy to get caught up in the failures or all the things that were not completed or accomplished at the end of the day, therefore losing sight of the victories. Put down on paper and bring out gratitude into the universe where it can be seen and be reminded of it. As small or big as it may be, get into the practice of writing every evening before going to bed one to three wins, accomplishments, or anything to be proud of from the current day. Keep it all in a journal to refer back to it later – it will be a resource for keeping one’s perspective in check.

MOVEMENT

Physical activity is required for controlling the mind, body, spirit, and attitude. The only way to break the patterns of thoughts is by interrupting them through movement. Dance, jump, lift, squat, shake, shuffle, shimmy, kick, or swing to get the body up and moving. Increasing blood flow and exercising activates the endorphins – happy hormones. This will not only help the body combat the stress response but will boost and promote a healthy immune system. The energized way of being will allow the individual to effectively choose the attitude they want to maintain throughout the day based on their aspirations and perspective, versus falling victim to the uncontrollable variables.

MAINTAIN RELEVANCY AND CASH FLOW

Stay on the minds of current and potential clients. Reach out to as many people as possible. Connect virtually to offer personalized skin advice. Engage on social media. Offer clients deals on future service vouchers. Suggest to clients to add something to their home skin regimen during this time, since they cannot come into the spa. A mask or exfoliant are popular home additions during this time. Extend to clients service gift certificates with product purchases. These are just some practical examples, and there are so many other strategies that can be implemented to support the business if one stays positive and proactive.

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH

Turn the tables and be the superhero. Use those aesthetician superpowers! Practice self-care through a home facial at least once a week. Really take time to self-love, self-massage, and self-care, and then share it with clients through social media. Leave uplifted or at least better than before.

FINAL THOUGHT

Once the dust settles, and this too shall pass, please remember that professionals are not defined by their business, but by the result of their attitude, skills, knowledge, experience, and the rules. From this will blossom the seeds of success in a skin care professional’s business and in their life.