Under Construction

"Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way I'm going to keep it." - Lou Holtz

Ever watch those renovation shows and get a little envious? We see these incredible transformations, but what we don't see is the person changing along with the home. And some of us are overdue on "renovations" to ourselves.

The HGTV Effect: Life as a Constant Renovation

I can remember watching HGTV as a kid with my mother. We loved all the classics: "House Hunters," "House Hunters International," "Love it or List It," and my mother's favorite, "Fixer Upper" with Chip and Joanna Gaines. A lazy Sunday evening could be spent watching these shows for hours, of course offering our expert critiques of the decisions people made. Why they didn't buy the house we thought they should, or why they chose that color for the walls? My favorite part, though, was always the final reveal. I admired how one person could not only hold a vision for a space, but bring it to life.

Of course, there was always a plot twist, "Uh oh, we found some unexpected mold and have to rip out all the walls. Say goodbye to the butler's pantry or the mud room," adding drama that almost always miraculously worked out in the end.

Believe it or not, these shows mirror real life. We are all perpetually "under construction." Whether we're aware of it or not, we're constantly growing, evolving, and (yes, aging) into a new version of ourselves. Sometimes, we hit snags – those unexpected "leaky pipes" or the need for "new tires." Life throws curveballs, and it can feel like endless building, like that one house in the neighborhood that's been under construction for, well, forever.

Beyond the Setbacks: Embrace the Beautiful Work

But it's not all setbacks. It's also about the beautiful work of building. Instead of painting walls, we discover a new personal style. Instead of renovating the kitchen, we choose a career that ignites our passion every day. You are never too old or too far gone to set another goal or to dream a new dream, and it is never too late to realize your fullest potential. Our wellness is rooted in a focus on improving and strengthening our foundation, building a life with enough space for all aspects of ourselves.

Sure, the process takes time, and yes, there will be hiccups. But we emerge stronger on the other side. This personal construction may be painful, but it's what makes life worth living. We're never fully satisfied with the house we build because there's always something more to add. Committing to this lifelong construction creates something truly unique and on our own time. We all fall prey to watching someone else’s journey from afar, but fulfillment is found in resisting the temptation to want what someone else is building.

After all, who wants to live in someone else's house?

3 Ways to Start Building Today

If you aren't currently in a construction phase, here are three ways you can get cracking today:

1. Pursue a New Hobby: Picking up a new hobby is one of the best ways to not only breathe fresh air and feel like we are creating space for something we enjoy, but we also get the opportunity to expand our mind and abilities while doing so. Research indicates that adults who engage in hobbies experience a 34% reduction in stress levels and a 18% increase in overall life satisfaction. Want to learn how to play pickleball? Crochet? Dive into stock trading? The possibilities are endless. No one wants to stagnate, so why not grow in the direction of joy and passion?

2. Deep Dive into Learning a New Topic: What's something you've always been curious about? For me, the history of Asian cultures is captivating. Did you know that the Chinese dynasty system spans over 4,000 years, almost unimaginable compared to the United States' mere 240 years? 4,000 years of collective history is almost unfathomable. I digress - Find a topic that sparks your interest and dive in. Read articles or, even better, a book. You don't need an end goal; there's no test to study for. The learning process is the goal. Expanding your knowledge is the outcome.

3. Add a New Habit to Your Daily Routine: Establishing new habits is a fantastic way to stay "under construction." Tracking habits provides a sense of accomplishment and reveals transformations in our daily lives. It could be as simple as journaling for 5 minutes or aiming for 10,000 steps daily, or practicing daily gratitude and affirmations. Choose a habit that supports a desirable outcome, like improved health and wellness. The specific habit is almost irrelevant; the purpose is to make conscious decisions, gaining ownership of our lives, one step at a time.

I, for one, am thrilled to be forever under construction. I hope to never feel like I've "arrived" and I remain steadfast in my commitment to living the dream every day. We all know where the end of the road leads, and we all reach the end eventually…

…but there's no need to rush.

Embrace the Journey

And if you're ready to truly go under contract and start building the life you've always dreamed of, I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my private one-on-one coaching program: The Uniterrupted Blueprint. In this program, you will gain clarity on your personal wellness journey, establish action plans to improve key areas of your life, and transform your daily lived experience into one fueled with purpose and intention eager to work closely with motivated individuals like you who are ready to take the next steps toward living a life filled lead by intention and fulfillment. If you're ready to invest in yourself and take that leap, fill out this application to see if we're a good fit, and let's build something amazing together!

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - Chinese Proverb

Until next time, live uninterrupted.

~ Coleman