Ever been on a long road trip, cruising down the interstate and suddenly, traffic comes to a screeching halt?

Road construction is a possibility to your delay. When you see the orange traffic cones, we all know what’s ahead. The traffic that road construction creates, can be challenging. It can lengthen your commute time, and forces you to drive at slower speed. A road work zone that is “under construction “ often diverts traffic in a new direction as the crew safely works in another area.

In a structural/ building development scenario, “under construction”, one would expect to see a structural project that is incomplete… with the ultimate goal, closing the project with full completion, a finished building.

Which brings me to ask you today… Do you currently have anything “under construction”? Visually, the bright orange cones might not be around you, but you might be mentally wearing the bright yellow “hard hat” working as the chief foreman in the construction zone, working on your “under construction goals”.

In early 2023, I didn’t have a vision in what I wanted to accomplish in the coming year. Don’t get me wrong, we all have long term and short term goals. Things seemed…muddled, and a clear vision wasn’t coming easily. Sometimes I think we are in a transitional phase before we launch into a new set of goals. That was the case with me earlier this year.

Often with time, a bit of clarity emerges. The results, a few new WIP’s (works in progress) and all things “under construction” are now being realized. Yes, plans divert and change, just like road construction.

I actually have projects that are “under construction”. Slowly, I’m making small, and defined progress on specific goals I’ve set for myself in 2023. Clipboard in hand, hard hat, and construction checklist ✅. Revealed from my mental clipboard …here’s the short list.

1. Writing and Blogging – In 2023, my blog has a new format (look) that visitors may have noticed. I’m incorporating more bold text words and information so a reader can grab the overall message from the blog post from a visual pre-read. I’m trying to devote more time to write more each week on upcoming blog posts, and also granting myself time away from writing or blogging when I feel uninspired.

2. Photography– This is a brand new goal for me in 2023! I have NEVER physically printed anything from my camera roll. Yes, me, the one with 15,000 plus pictures on her camera roll and I have NEVER printed anything. Until recently… So I’m beginning to focus on my personal photography projects and enjoying the process of making/creating my own art (photography) for my own enjoyment.

3. Weight Loss – ugh! yes, I’m beginning to lose weight . It is hard y’all! 25 pounds lost and now in maintenance mode! I have become much more aware of what I’m eating, practicing portion control, meal planning for lunch, which was problematic for us. Slow, steady progress is what is keeping me motivated .

4. Targeted intentional movement- as Dory said “Just keep swimming “ in Finding Nemo. I have been an active, daily walker for the last several years but I have never intentionally tried to have a daily step goal (7,000 minimum) and to be very cognizant of my movement … not to sit for too long, get up during commercials while watching tv, stand while working instead of sitting and to just keep moving! I don’t meet my goal every single day but I’m much more aware about how many steps I’m making… I’m pumped if I reach over 10,000 plus!

5. Developing my creative side, in a new way… Hand building pottery has been a new challenge… my work is not perfect, but an enjoyable way to spend time learning new things.

6. Lastly, Work Goals… We have begun to Re-merchandise key store areas and more! First, Richard and I started with a total change up of our lawn and garden areas, then next to the hardware area.. What could be next???

I bet we would all agree that living through construction is never easy. Those of us that have lived through a construction project can attest that an ongoing “under construction project” requires planning, perseverance and patience. And we all know that sitting in road construction traffic can test your patience. That being said, projects “under construction” can be taxing …mentally and physically. Change IS and can be hard. Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight or make a lifestyle change can attest that it is not easy but it can be accomplished.

Progress can often be slow and sometimes, even difficult to visualize. Let’s look at a construction analogy .. the first few phases of construction are not often seen… ie.. planning, procurement of materials, and even site preparation… but as you get into the last phases of a construction project, progress becomes more visible.

Once the foundation emerges, the core structure is built. With a well built structure and foundation, the longevity of the building is magnified… the ultimate goal, a long lasting structure which can stand the test of time. You can actually begin to visualize success.

Now, I’m not assuming that my WIP’s projects are going to go on without a hitch… like as smoothly as spreading peanut butter on a piece of hot bread that just popped out of the toaster… which results in a smooth, creamy, melting, and warm peanut butter toast, but boy it’s a great way to begin your day. Just keep moving forward.