Out of My Comfort Zone, and Into a Whole New Me

I stepped out of my comfort zone to be the Project Manager on our house we just built.  I felt nervous wondering if I was up to this challenge.  It was beyond anything I had ever done before.  There may have been those who questioned our decision to build our house since we possessed little knowledge and experience in home building.  But as we have moved many times across many miles to new surroundings, I felt that I had overcome fear of going into the unknown.

 We did not have a General Contractor or a builder.  Ray had a friend who jumpstarted us and talked us into this project. A couple months into building, I basically took over – and I was the one on the front lines – meeting the subs at the house, helping resolve issues, calling and setting up appointments, and meeting the workers at the house. Ray and I made a great team.  He helped with the technical issues and we worked together to resolve the problems.  We would definitely build again, but I think we shall enjoy this house for a very long time.

In this process of building our house, I discovered a Whole New Me.  I absolutely loved making decisions and the process of picking out the interior items—not only was I the Project Manager, I also was the Interior Designer. I loved walking into a store, looking at all my options, narrowing them down and then ultimately making the choice of what product to buy. I liked working and talking with people.  I learned I was a good problem solver, as I would focus on finding solutions, not on getting angry at the problem or deciding whom to blame.  When I didn’t know the answer to the technical issues, I would ask questions and discuss with others until I could comfortably make a decision. I discovered people enjoyed working with me. Since my efforts to focus on the solution, respond quickly to calls and emails, and to make prompt decisions, I created good working relationships with the subs.  Giving respect and being quick to respond are traits that in turn allowed others to respect me even though most of them knew that I was new at this whole building process. 

I loved building.  It was at times daunting and time-consuming, but I loved the process.  Maybe its all those puzzles I have put together or math problems I have solved, but I am always about finding solutions and completing the job.  And in the end, we have an awesome house.  We were able to do something incredible.  In only 5 months and most of those being winter months, we did it!

I jumped into this project hoping I was up to the challenge.  And I discovered a whole new me.  I didn’t know that I had the traits necessary to lead the building of a house. It’s not easy to step out of your comfort zone, but for me it was so worth it.  I am a new person with a new sense of confidence and new skills. I have a house I love.  All I can say is WOW!