Picture this: You’re a personal stylist with big dreams, ready to transform lives through the power of colour and style. Yet, when it comes to investing in your own growth, you hesitate.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. But here’s the catch—expecting clients to invest in your services when you’re unwilling to invest in yourself is a recipe for stagnation. It’s time to break the cycle and embrace the mindset that will truly set you apart.

One of the most powerful ideas around success and mindset comes from Wallace D. Wattles in his timeless classic, The Science of Getting Rich. In this book, Wattles introduces the concept of "The Advancing Man," which is pivotal to understanding why investing in oneself is not just a good idea but a necessity for any personal stylist aiming to thrive.

Understanding "The Advancing Man"
Wattles describes "The Advancing Man" as someone who is continually moving forward, growing, and improving. This person is not just focused on wealth accumulation but is committed to personal and professional advancement in every area of life. The Advancing Man (or woman) operates from a mindset of abundance, always seeking ways to add more value to the world, and in doing so, attracts greater wealth, opportunities, and success.

In contrast, those who do not invest in themselves remain stagnant. They may have talent and skill, but without a mindset geared towards growth and advancement, their potential remains untapped. For personal stylists, embracing the principle of The Advancing Man is essential. It is a commitment to continuous learning, growth, and an unyielding belief in one’s worth and potential.

The Disconnect in the Styling Industry
A common issue I see among personal stylists is a reluctance to invest in themselves. Whether it’s enrolling in advanced training, hiring a coach, or even spending money on high-quality tools and resources, there is often a resistance rooted in scarcity thinking. These stylists may feel that they can’t afford to invest in themselves, yet they expect their clients to invest in their services. This creates a disconnect that not only undermines their business but also contradicts the principle of The Advancing Man.

When stylists operate from a place of scarcity, they project that energy onto their clients. They may find themselves attracting clients who are also hesitant to invest, who question their fees, or who don’t see the value in the services offered. This is a direct reflection of their own money mindset. Conversely, when a stylist invests in themselves, they embody the principle of advancement, and this energy attracts clients who are willing and eager to invest in their expertise.

Investing in Yourself: The First Step to Advancement
To break free from the cycle of scarcity, you must first understand that investing in yoursel is not an expense, but a necessary step toward advancement. This could mean investing in further education, upskilling, or even personal development tools like coaching and mentorship. The more you invest in yourself, the more value you can offer your clients. This value is what clients are ultimately paying for.

Think of it this way: If you were a client, would you want to hire a stylist who is stagnant, or one who is continually advancing, learning, and growing? Clients are attracted to those who exude confidence, competence, and a commitment to excellence—traits that are developed through continuous investment in oneself.

The Ripple Effect of Investing in Yourself
When you embrace the concept of The Advancing Man and begin to invest in yourself, the effects are profound. Firstly, you begin to see yourself differently. This shift in self-perception leads to increased confidence, which in turn influences how you market yourself, set your prices, and interact with clients. You start to attract a higher caliber of clients—those who appreciate and are willing to pay for the value you offer.

Secondly, investing in oneself leads to innovation and creativity. A stylist who is constantly learning and growing is more likely to stay ahead of trends, offer fresh ideas, and provide solutions that meet the evolving needs of their clients. This positions them as a leader in the industry, further enhancing their reputation and earning potential.

Lastly, the act of investing in oneself serves as a powerful example to clients. When you demonstrate your commitment to your own growth and advancement, you inspire your clients to do the same. This creates a positive feedback loop where both you and your client are engaged in a process of mutual growth and development.

Overcoming the Fear of Investment
For many stylists, the fear of investing in themselves stems from a scarcity mindset—a belief that resources are limited and must be conserved. However, this mindset is in direct opposition to the principle of The Advancing Man, which is rooted in abundance. To overcome this fear, stylists must first shift their mindset from scarcity to abundance. This means recognizing that the more they invest in themselves, the more they will have to offer, and the more they will ultimately receive.

One practical way to start this shift is by setting aside a portion of earnings specifically for personal and professional development. Whether it’s attending a workshop, hiring a coach, or even purchasing books and resources, this practice reinforces the belief that investment leads to growth. Over time, as stylists see the positive returns on their investments, the fear of spending diminishes, replaced by a sense of empowerment and confidence.

The Rewards of Advancement
The rewards of adopting the mindset of The Advancing Man are numerous. Financially, stylists who invest in themselves often see a significant return on their investment in the form of higher income, more clients, and greater business opportunities. Personally, they experience growth in confidence, creativity, and satisfaction as they continually push the boundaries of their potential.

Moreover, by embracing advancement, stylists not only enhance their own lives but also the lives of their clients. They become not just service providers, but leaders, mentors, and role models—individuals who embody the principles of growth, abundance, and excellence. This is the true essence of success, not just in business but in life.

It's important to understand that the journey to success is not just about mastering the technical aspects of styling, but also about cultivating the right mindset. By embracing the principle of The Advancing Man, you commit to a path of continuous growth and improvement. This mindset not only attracts success but also empowers you to serve your clients at the highest level.

Investing in oneself is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the foundation upon which a thriving, successful business is built. You must lead by example, demonstrating to your clients that advancement is a lifelong journey. The more you invest in yourself, the more value you can offer, and the more you will ultimately receive. This is the true secret to lasting success in the world of personal styling.