Each of the students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, was in the class for various reasons, including a few who admitted it was just an available elective for them. Some were pursuing careers in the trades and already working for companies, such as Lotspeich and others, that offered hands-on experience. Others were headed to university and planning to study architecture, finance, or other areas that play a critical role in development and construction.
While sharing with the class my graduate certificate from a similar start to theirs, I couldn’t remember why I chose the vocational class I graduated from, pre-engineering graphics, which combined the basics of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC Introduction). Looking back, it was the seed planted that grew into my career today.
Flash forward in my career and several decades of exposure, first working on projects and for the last 25+ years working with thousands of people within the industry, I recognize that the love of those who work in our industry is elevated by several factors that fluctuate with time yet most often correlate with not only their career choices but their overall career satisfaction and success. These individuals possess top ratings in specific areas when it comes to love for themselves and the love of others around them, starting with:
Balancing Accountability and Compassion in Construction: Unconditional Love for Self and Others
They are capable of giving and receiving unconditional love, both for themselves and others. This doesn’t mean they are always happy or in agreement with everything, but rather that they love without expecting anything in return or placing any conditions on themselves or those around them. In other words, their love is not based on circumstances or specific actions; it’s freely given and accepted, no matter what, even when they have no choice but to hold another accountable for their actions and behavior.
In today’s workforce, in fields like Construction Management, where deadlines, high-pressure environments, and challenging interactions are common, offering unconditional love can feel especially difficult. It requires balancing accountability with empathy and recognizing that even amid the chaos, everyone is working toward a common goal.
How would you rate yourself on a scale of 1–10 (10 being the best) in this area? If you did not choose a 10, then to strengthen this, practice self-compassion daily by treating yourself with the same kindness and patience you would offer to a loved one. Similarly, when interacting with others, try to love without judgment or expectation and acknowledge that everyone, including you, has flaws and is worthy of love regardless.
Building a Balanced Life in Construction: Feeling Secure and Balanced Between Work and Life
They feel physically and emotionally secure at work because they have a secure home life, whether single or in a relationship at any stage, and their sense of belonging is not strictly tied to their profession or place of work. Work is a part of their life but not the whole of their life. They understand that work is important but not exclusive.
In Construction Management and other high-pressure careers with extended work hours, maintaining this balance is crucial. When you allow your job to dominate your sense of self, it might not lead to burnout or stress because you love what you do so much, yet it may lead to a diminished quality of life with time as others may need you to be engaged more for their well-being in your relationship.
Maintaining boundaries helps preserve your mental and emotional well-being, enabling you to show up as your best self at work and at home. Remember the saying “Happy house, happy spouse”? Clear communication with your loved ones about times when work demands extra attention can help everyone understand that it’s a temporary sacrifice for long-term benefit. Over time, this balance will contribute to a more fulfilling personal and professional life for everyone involved.
The top professionals communicate and set boundaries between work and personal life. They intentionally live by scheduling time for family, hobbies, and self-care activities. Do you reflect on your personal goals outside of your job to reinforce that work is an important part of life but not your entire identity?
Laying the Foundation for Growth: Recognizing and Celebrating Your Achievements in Construction
They can recognize and celebrate their achievements, whether others make an effort or a point to do so within the workplace. This self-awareness allows them to feel confident in their abilities and motivated to continue striving for personal and professional growth. By intellectually acknowledging their accomplishments, they cultivate a sense of fulfillment and pride, which boosts their overall well-being and resilience. This mindset also empowers them to stay focused on their goals, regardless of external recognition, fostering a more independent and positive approach to success.
Managers and leaders in Construction Management, however, are often not as adept at recognizing and celebrating their own achievements or the achievements of those they lead. In high-pressure environments, where deadlines and problems are constant, taking time to acknowledge accomplishments can feel like a luxury that gets pushed aside. Yet it is essential for both personal motivation and team morale. When leaders overlook this, it can create a culture of burnout and disengagement for themselves and their teams.
When you seriously ask yourself if you take time to celebrate your own accomplishments, even when others may not acknowledge them, this reflection will help you be more aware of acknowledging the accomplishments of others when it is appropriate to do so, as you will know how good it feels.
One way that may sound hokey but is easy and works is to start keeping a voice journal or list of your daily or weekly achievements. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small, and take a moment to celebrate those wins. This practice will help you build self-recognition and maintain motivation to continue growing and also help you see the benefits of recognizing and celebrating achievements, even if it does take time and effort to do so.
Building Purpose: Recognizing the Impact of Your Work in Construction
The most successful construction managers know they are making a difference in the workplace and in life, even if it may seem insignificant to others, because they understand that every small effort adds up. They recognize that they are in their job for a purpose they may not fully see yet, and they chose to accept that job with their employer. By owning that choice, they make a difference every day, not by striving for perfection but by being purposeful in their contributions and commitment to their responsibilities, their team, and the company they work for.
Do you believe that your work, no matter how small it seems, makes a positive difference in your workplace and life? If you have any doubt, shift your perspective by focusing on the impact your actions, however small, have on others. Reflect on how your daily contributions, even if not immediately recognized, align with your larger goals and purpose. Embrace the idea that consistency in small efforts leads to meaningful results over time.
If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that I often repeat, “Skill can be taught, but attitude and aptitude cannot.” An attitude of gratitude goes a long way, starting with being thankful for who you are and where you are today in life and the workplace.
I learned the school has a partnership with Junior Achievement. Their programs focus on communication, soft-skill training, self-worth, and owning choices and behaviors, along with financial acumen training. Those students who are in that class may be given an opportunity they yet have not had time to fully appreciate.
No matter what stage you’re at in your career, the best gift on Valentine’s Day or any other day you can give to yourself and your family is celebrating the wonderful person you are and the unique contributions you make every day to this world just by being you and loving and choosing to work in the construction industry.
Thank you. You are loved and appreciated.
For the Love of Your Work,
Suzanne Breistol
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