In my last post I talked about digging out of a hole. Sometimes to get out of a frustrating job I have to regroup and work on my approach. As you remember, the downstairs turned into a total train wreck when we applied the sealer the first and second time. It was so frustrating that I even walked across the wet floor and left footprints once. The project manager at the time for the remodeling company saw the footprints while we were at lunch. He called another project manager who is the epitome of an asshole. I don't use profanity much while writing, but I need to paint the picture of the perfectly-manicured-yet-rugged-looking, know-it-all project manager for a medium-sized construction company. The snowball rolled downhill, and we were on the phone with three different "bosses" explaining why we weren't perfect and how we would fix the problem.
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In my last post I talked about digging out of a hole. Sometimes to get out of a frustrating job I have to regroup and work on my approach. As you remember, the downstairs turned into a total train wreck when we applied the sealer the first and second time. It was so frustrating that I even walked across the wet floor and left footprints once. The project manager at the time for the remodeling company saw the footprints while we were at lunch. He called another project manager who is the epitome of an asshole. I don't use profanity much while writing, but I need to paint the picture of the perfectly-manicured-yet-rugged-looking, know-it-all project manager for a medium-sized construction company. The snowball rolled downhill, and we were on the phone with three different "bosses" explaining why we weren't perfect and how we would fix the problem.
During attempt No. 2, I decided to use a different application method (T-bars and trim pads) and have more helpers present while I coated. That turned out even worse for a number of reasons. I mostly believe that I was so high-strung by that point because of having to deal with several overbearing project managers-I couldn't even think straight. After that attempt went sideways, I was fully prepared to throw in the towel if they were tired of us working on the project. Fortunately, Rick (our actual project manager, who is really cool) returned from vacation and listened to things and gave us the window of time we needed in order to succeed.
After two failed attempts and having to refinish the same floor three times, I was pretty well burned out and in need of a reason to believe I would succeed. I am the type who likes to get through the tough times and go take a quick vacation for a day or two with the family to blow off steam and refresh my brain. You see, the boys have just started riding bikes with no training wheels, and the adventures are just waiting.
After spending about six nights awake thinking about the floor and even dreaming about the floor at night, I had developed what was a logical plan for success.
The confidence to pull off my plan couldn't just come from being tired of the floor. Instead I reasoned it out that if I pulled off this floor, I wouldn't be in for a storm of problems and could go on vacation with my wife and two boys. That was enough for me to win. We went in at 8:30 a.m., coated half of the floor, then stopped and took a break to regroup. After about 45 minutes, we restarted and pulled off the other side (which ended up being even harder), and I was so relieved. I was as good as on vacation.
When you're ever doubting where you are headed and thinking about rough times, I encourage you to find a reason to succeed other than your own ego. I use my family as my own fuel to succeed when times are tough. I think about the two boys, Dustin and Caleb. To them, Daddy can accomplish anything, and that's enough for me. Let the rest of the world wallow in the language of a "tough economy," and while they're distracted, go succeed for someone in your life you love.
All Things Wood Floor, created by Wood Floor Business magazine, talks to interesting wood flooring pros to share knowledge, stories and tips on everything to do with wood flooring, from installation, sanding and finishing to business management.
