In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia speaks to independent hairstylists who are tired of creating big New Year goals that fizzle out by February. Instead of another pretty planner that never gets used, Hunter walks you through the exact way he planned his most successful year so far and what needs to change if you want a 2026 plan that actually sticks.

Whether you are aiming for more consistent income, a lighter schedule, or finally following through on the projects that have been sitting on your list for years, this conversation will help you create a plan that feels realistic, sustainable, and genuinely supportive of your life behind and beyond the chair.

Key Takeaways

📌 Create the plan you actually need
Learn why most stylists either overshoot with impossible goals or choose what feels comfortable, and how to set targets that match your real numbers, capacity, and business season.

📌 Set attainable goals you can work backward from
Hear how to choose revenue and project goals that you can reverse engineer with simple math, so you know exactly what needs to happen month by month instead of guessing.

📌 Focus on what the business truly needs
Understand the difference between shiny ideas and the unglamorous projects that actually move the needle for bookings, retention, and profit.

📌 Build inspiration and accountability into your year
Get Hunter’s process for pairing discipline with built in motivation, check ins, and community support so you are not relying only on willpower when life gets busy.

📌 Recalibrate instead of quitting on your plan
Learn how to check in on your goals throughout the year, adjust when circumstances change, and tweak your targets without slipping into all or nothing thinking.

Why You Should Listen

If you have ever bought a planner, written out beautiful goals, then lost momentum a few weeks later, this episode is for you. Hunter will help you create a 2026 plan that feels doable on your actual schedule, supports both your income and your energy, and gives you clear direction for the entire year instead of another burst of motivation that fades away.

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