As I write this, my head is still abuzz from seeing Hamilton this past weekend, a rap musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda that was inspired by the biography Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. What an experience it was. I know, I know, how could it have possibly taken me that long to see it, you may wonder. Well, it took me awhile, but man am I glad that I finally had the chance.
A number of songs from the musical are still playing in my head, but one of them that keeps playing over an over is “My Shot.” Near the beginning of the musical, we are introduced to Hamilton, at which point he raps, “I am not throwing away my shot. I am not throwing away my shot. Hey yo, I’m just like my country. I’m young, scrappy and hungry. And I’m not throwing away my shot.” This song resonated with me because we are only given so many “shots” in this lifetime, and it is up to us to seize them.
It is January, a time of fresh starts, resolutions, goal setting and new beginnings. If there are goals you have personally or professionally, now is the time to take your shot and make them happen, and that is what we are all about in this issue.
Drew Coleman tackles the number one reason our spa goals fail, which is we fail to plan and execute small tasks that lead to the bigger goal. Coleman provides the tools needed to do this by explaining how setting daily goals is important to the bigger picture.
An underlying theme for both Coleman and Lori Caruso is preparation. In her article on five-star ratings, Caruso notes, “Preparation is the cornerstone of success.” Preparation is just one of the five Ps Caruso outlines to earning a five star rating for your spa, with the other ones being pristine, present, promise and products.
As you begin your planning for the coming year, take advice from industry experts and set your goal, organize it into daily manageable tasks, prepare, stay positive and commit to quality. Also, consider taking advice from “a ten-dollar founding father without a father” to take your shot and never give up.
Yours in Education,
Katie Anderson
Senior Managing Editor
