Detour Ahead
How do you deal with the detours of life?
I took this picture last week as I was driving home. This road closure is a mile from my house and has caused me to go a mile out of my way and plan different routes than normal. I’ve heard people that are frustrated with this detour, and it would be easy for me to join in the discontent. Instead, I’ve been able to take a longer term view of this work and realize the benefits it will create. Planning for the work at this intersection and adjoining properties started many years ago and is a big project for our city. You can read about the project here. I am excited about the progress and benefits it will provide for my community.
Benefits like tax revenue, new restaurants, shops and business opportunity will take a while to materialize. For now, we are stuck with a road closure, loud construction work and a disruption to everyday life. Disruption and delayed benefits is a perfect way to look at my life right now, and hopefully your life at some point. You may have experienced a time of construction or could be underway with one right now. How we plan, execute, and think about these times will shape the way we approach the tough times in life. The project pictured above is taking a 2 lane road with a stop sign and turning it into a multi-lane, stop-lighted intersection and dealing with stormwater runoff. Improving flood control and traffic flow are necessary for the future. The accompanying work is building a hotel, conference center and shops. The benefits of all this will be huge! However, huge benefits means a huge amount of work up front. The upfront work can be inconvenient and we could complain about it. I believe it is better to plan and deal with this work rather than be discontent with the current nuisance.
My family is currently tackling a remodeling project that is disrupting our normal life and causing some detours in our normal decision making, time allotments, and budgets. Among work and other activities, this project is a huge detour. But, the detour is making way for a much improved life in the future. Each day, as I detour around a fun activity or relaxing time at home, I am reminded of the benefits I am building. Someday, I’ll be able to look at our 4+ lane thoroughfare and remember the 2 lane country road that used to be our life. Our capacity will be increased, we will create more benefits for our family and others, and will only vaguely recall the detours it took to get us there.
Detours and construction zones are inevitable in life if you want to grow and reach your goals. How you plan and respond to these events will make a greater impact than you realize.