A well worn Path

a well worn path

The marks on the steel show its age.

I snapped this photo a few years ago, and it’s been sitting in a folder, waiting for the right words to give it meaning. 

Today, I finally found them. This image reminds me of my journey as an entrepreneur. It has no beginning, no end, just a snapshot in time. 

I’m two months into the largest project I’ve ever taken on. 

It’s going well… but it’s not as smooth as I’d like. 

When I reflect on this experience and look at this photo, I realize I am the track.  

The track represents the journey, 

and the polished steel, 

that’s what it feels like to change under pressure.

I never imagined running a construction business would be this challenging. 

And now, halfway through year eight, I can say without hesitation: I’m still a long way from mastering it. 

This project is pushing me. 

It’s making me dig deep to find the grit to keep it moving. 

Every week brings new surprises, every week I watch bank balances decline and DSO’s rise. 

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on this project is a three letter word: 

DAY

The contract never clearly defined it, I never thought to ask, which means I’m now being held to two different standards:

• The project schedule is based on calendar days (weekends included).
  
  

• But my pay applications are based on business days (weekends excluded).
  
  

So over a 30-day period, I’m essentially shorted by 8 days of productivity, unless I work through the weekends. I used the default setting in MS Project that defines a work week at 5 days. 

And to make matters worse, my pay application is based on business days, which means I’m giving away 8 extra days before I can get paid. 

Mentally and financially, this simple oversight has taken a toll. 

But one thing I know for sure: this mistake won’t happen again.

Sometimes the lessons that cut the deepest are the ones that shape our foundation the most.

I don’t have a well-worn path yet, but I’m building something that will stand the ultimate test: TIME.

takeaways:

• Always define “days” clearly in your contracts.
  Don’t assume everyone’s speaking the same language. That one word can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
  
  

• Pressure creates polish.
  Like that worn steel track, growth often comes from friction. Keep showing up, even when the journey feels rough, soon enough the rough edges will wear away and it will become easier.