Editor’s Note: We are so fortunate to share the wisdom and experience of Carlos Valenzuela. For over ten years, Carlos has contributed to MODERN SALON, imparting lessons learned over a lifetime in the professional beauty industry. From blogging, Carlos moved into writing several books, has been a guest on podcasts, panels, and at book talks, and he always keeps it real and relatable.
New Year’s Resolutions are flying away.
Resolutions have the lifespan of a fly. Born full of buzz, dead before the hangover clears. By the time your headache stops pulsing, that “new you” has been swept into the trash. Hairdressers know this better than anyone. Clients swear to regular maintenance visits, only to show up three months later looking like they’ve been living with raccoons.
I gave up on New Year’s resolutions. I recognize the desire to become a better person with new boundaries and goals, but I know I will not deliver on the going-to-the-gym part. Who am I kidding? And I am not alone. Every January, the gym is slammed with Christmas cookie addicts. By mid-January, it’s back to normal. Where did all the people go? You know where they went. They gave up.
I refuse to put myself through unnecessary disappointment year’s list. Instead, I list moments I hated this year and create reminders to pop up throughout my day, lest I repeat the slip-up —and I totally would. Here are this year’s pickings:
– Don’t talk about yourself—at all. Not a peep. Listen. Or pretend to.
– Love who you are, what you do, and what you love. But don’t talk about it.
– Don’t tell people your plans until they happen.
– Never expect to get anything close to what you give. Give anyway.
– Show up daily and be better. For yourself, nobody else.
– Check if that thing you hold on to is not what needs to go.
– To shop without regard to price, stop watching the clock. Work your ass off.
– You will always upset people when you choose what’s best for you. Choose anyway,
– Be grateful for clients who didn’t return. They were going to be a problem anyway.
– Not everyone’s meant to stay. And that’s fine.
Jump into the best 2026.
More from Carlos Valenzuela
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