In this world of non stop “to do’s”, instant connection and communication, 24 hour news and digital everything, it can seem as nothing ever gets done. The reality is that admist the ongoing additions to our daily schedules we do accomplish many things. The problem is that we rarely if ever take time to just bask in the glory of a job well done.
Then there are times when you have worked on a project for months and it never seems that it’s going to end. Then you get the call that its completed. It’s like taking the final exam in college. You walk out and say “now what?” The answer, take some time to reflect, relax, and celebrate.
After 6 months, lots of long hours, countless decisions, tiring negotiations and endless problem solving, my wife and I just finished a “flip” project on a 70 year old house. This has been one of the best and hardest experiences of my life. Though we learned more lessons than we made money I am sure the lessons will far out earn any extra cash we could have garnered.
The instant I got the call that it funded (which in itself was a week long project and could be a chapter on it’s own about staying positive in tough times) I felt a sense of relief.
I’m a person who loves to start things and delegate them out to others to finish, the problem with flipping is it doesnt work that way. Finishing the project from the start to the grueling end is quite the accomplishment for a “starter” like me. For a “Finisher” like my wife there is a great sense of completion in her world. While I’m ready to start another she is ready for a break.
I believe that we as a society need to take time to enjoy our accomplishments for a few moments and slow down enough to give yourself a pat on the back. After all isn’t that what we wanted as kids, a big high five and hug from our parents.
The other day at McDonalds, my oldest, Ayla Grace (just shy of 3) climbed up the large slide on the playground for the first time. She got to the top and called out “Daddy, I’m up here.” She then slid down, jumped out with both hands raised in triumphant fashion exclaiming to the whole restaurant “I did it, Daddy I did it.” I followed up with a series of high fives, hug and an “I proud of you.”
To all of you who have just finished your “flip” or climb up the larg slide in your life, here’s a big “hi-five and ‘I’m proud of you.'” sent your way. Take a moment from your crazy busy day to bask in your accomplishment.
Job Well Done,
Joseph
Joseph Cortez 