What makes you keep returning to the same hairdresser or barber? It may seem like a silly question, however, it’s a good example of why you keep the friendships you have.
- Input – by this we’re looking at the cost or investment made. In a hairdressing situation, you may be happy if it is a cheaper price compared to the competition. In friendships, think about the time invested in the relationship to make it work.
- Outcome – Why go back to a hairdresser if the haircut wasn’t good last time? There is a preference to find something you desire. Same as with friendships, does it meet your needs? Or are you left feeling upset (sounds like a bad haircut to me).
- Familiarity – Sometimes the fear of venturing out to find a new hairdresser can be terrifying. What if the new hairdresser gives a horrible haircut? Maybe it’s safer to stay with what you know? Friendships can be the same, to the extent that even if you are being treated horribly your expectation of anything new is that it will be similar or worse. This does work in the other direction additionally. You may stay with this friendship because you have created a
connection that you feel accepted and understood.
Have a look at how you interact with your hairdresser or the reason you choose them each time.
Your reasoning may be the exact same way that you interact with the rest of the people in your life and why you place value on them. If you’re in business the same mindset might be holding you back from the potential of new clients.
Take time for yourself to outline what values you hold based on Input, Outcome and Familiarity.
Whatever the answer is, that’s okay. This isn’t set in stone and you have the freedom to create a new frame/goal for the future.
Learn from it and grow.
