Guest post from Tessa of TessaHardiman.com
This is a first for me — my first new haircut, that is. Typically, my hairstylist can go on autopilot while trimming my usual ‘do. I haven’t changed it up much over the years… until recently.
I debated whether or not to get bangs for a few weeks. I noticed many of my favorite celebrities wearing the style. I thought, that really looks good on Taylor Swift, but I don’t know if I could pull it off or not.
Then, I stumbled upon a picture in a magazine. The model looked eerily similar to myself. It was a sign! I tore it out and headed to the design studio.
Getting a new haircut may not be a big deal to many of you, but I abhor change. Variations of any kind scare me. I prefer things to stay in their nice, neat order, so I know what to expect. I absolutely cannot stand it when something doesn’t go according to plan. I know… I have issues, but that’s just who I am.
So, for me to decide on a different hairstyle is somewhat of a miracle. Changing a hairstyle that you’ve had for years is a lot like trying to modify other habits we have.
Similarly, it’s difficult to change a routine.
Whether it’s starting a new diet, beginning a new career, or altering your spending in order to pay off your debt. Any change is hard.
The best way to change something is this: don’t think… just do. The first step is the hardest, but it gets easier if you don’t over think it. You trick your psyche into thinking you can do it when you take immediate action. There’s not enough time to prepare excuses.
When you take that first step forward, you empower yourself to keep pushing forward. Not over-thinking the first step is the easiest way to start doing.
Tessa Hardiman is a teacher by day and word slinger by night. You can get a free copy of her new book when you visit her website TessaHardiman.com.
liz says
Yes! This reminds me of my motto for the year: Just Do It.
JenMarie says
I can so relate! I tend to over think things, but have a hard time actually DOING them. I liked the book “Who Moved My Cheese” as it helped me to remember that change can often makes things better.
Rachel says
I wish I could open up a magazine and see a model that looked “eerily similar to me.” Just not my reality… haha — great post, though!
Nicole says
Lol, thanks for the laugh, Rachel! It’s not my reality either. 😉
Nicole says
Hahaha, this can be GREAT advice or HORRIBLE advice, based on the situation. I totally agree, though, that sometimes it’s best to just dive in and not overthink things.
One time, I decided to cut my own hair and it was truly disastrous. At the time it wasn’t too funny, but now weall laugh when we see pictures of my super-short DIY haircut. 🙂 But hey, I’d rather try new things and fail than never try anything new.
Tessa says
Great outlook Nicole.
Ashley P says
I quit my dependence on caffeine this way. One day, I just decided, “NO MORE SODA FOR ME!” (I never drank coffee, so highly caffeinated soda was my drug of choice.)
It’s been 2 months. I’ve only had caffeine headaches 3 times. I occasionally have a caffeine free soda like Sprite, but mostly it’s been water or milk. I haven’t had a cola or Mountain Dew in so long, I don’t even remember what it tastes like. And I don’t miss it.
And all because I decided one day, no more. No long drawn out pros and cons list. No debate. Just did it. 😀
Tessa says
Way to go girl!
Sally says
Your absolutely right! You just need to decide to do it and then DO IT! Sometimes it is really that simple.
Laura says
Funny! I often “trick” myself into doing things I don’t want to do – especially phone calls which I don’t like. I’ve tried to explain to my kids how to do this, but was unable to explain the thought process – you did it very well! I may need to quote you.
Tessa says
Been there, done that Laura…
Cherie says
Hi – Your post about changing your hair cut inspired me. I too have been debating whether or not to cut my hair with bangs and do something a little shorter and sassier. I have always have longer hair and like it b/c I can do so many different hair styles. But honestly with 2 daughters, my time is limited now (especially to come up with creative hair do’s) 🙂
So thank you for posting that and I think I’m going to seriously re-consided cutting my hair with some cute bangs !
C~
Stephanie says
Check out the thesmallthingsblog.com and look under hair. She has awesome fast hair styles that are super cute. I got my hair cut similarity to hers andi really like it. I went with no bangs last time but I want to go with bangs next!
Tessa says
Go for it Cherie!
katie says
Your words ring true for me. The first step is the hardest. I find this to be true especially when I am trying a new exercise routine. How do you like your new do?
Kate
Tessa says
I really like it Kate…thanks for asking. 🙂
Katie says
Awesome!
Andi says
DEFINITELY!! When you want to truly make a change, sometimes you just have to go for it! If you hesitate too much, you’ll talk yourself right out of it! But sometimes you’ll get a sign that really shows you it’s the right choice. You can miss out on a lot if you try to control things too much! 😉
Tessa says
I am totally guilty of talking myself out of it!