Do you always feel like your life is going through various stages of transition? Are you longing for lasting change that will set you on the right course for your destiny? Read on!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION Our lives are series of changes, many planned and a few unscheduled. We are constantly de-constructing and constructing new and different things in an attempt to figure out what works for us and what brings us joy. If you should think of your life as a big construction project, then there are a series of things that must considered in order to have a successful project – a successful life. 1. YOU MUST HAVE A PLAN Every construction project has a plan. There is a schematic drawing (a blueprint) available that determines the actions to be taken daily, weekly and monthly. So many of us live our lives with no apparent plan of where we are headed and what we are doing. We are under the “go with the flow” assumption. We have no idea where the flow will take us and are often surprised by the bumps along the way. A life plan is not as daunting as it first appears. It is simply putting in writing our goals and dreams, the steps we plan to take to accomplish them and the milestones (celebration points) along the way. There is a saying “If you don’t know where you are going, every road will lead you no where”. Instead of being adrift in life, chart your course. Start today! 2. UNDER CONSTRUCTION Another point about a construction job is that work is always going on until the project is completed. For as long as the project is active you may see a sign saying “Under construction”. This gives you a sense of expectation of improvements being made, a work in progress, and an anticipation of something better (improved) when the dust settles. Our lives are similar. There are countless ways we can improve ourselves. Life is a constant journey of discovery. As we discover things about ourselves that we desire to improve, it is up to us to take the steps to create change. Whether it is getting the appropriate information, dedicating the necessary time, or being committed to seeing it through, remember this; “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me”. If you want to see a different tomorrow you must begin somewhere. If you always do what you’ve always done you will always get the same results. If you desire change you must create change. What do you want to change? Is it worth your time and effort to get the anticipated results? Then get busy! Make a list of at least ten things you want to change. Prioritize the list based on either order of importance or from easiest to most challenging. Your list could include habits, your job, relationships or your wardrobe. If its part of your life it is fair game. What do you need in order to bring about your new reality? Remember your work crew consists of you, you and you. You must commit to change, you must seek information and you must stick with it. Get your team in action and get busy creating change. 3. THE CLEANUP CREW On every construction site there are workers dedicated to clearing up debris and waste which allows more room for workers to operate in safety. Attempting to work on top of debris is hazardous and impedes progress. In our lives we must take the time to identify and eliminate debris and waste, things that have not been useful to us in a long time and impedes our process of creating change. We do spring cleaning in our homes, revamp our automobiles for the summer, but how many of us take time to “clean up” our lives? We may have unfinished business, unresolved issues, half-done projects, discarded relationships or clothes or roles that no longer fit. There may be things we hold onto for sentimental reasons that serve no useful purpose in our lives. Its time to simplify and make room for new things. When we keep all our “remnants” never taking time to de-junk, we go through life heavy and burdened down. Our steps may become sluggish and we often step out of place and make the wrong decisions because we are carrying too much stuff. Declare “spring cleaning” in your life! Identify the things that are weighing you down, have served their time or never had a purpose in the first place. Make room for newness by getting rid of useless stuff. In the end you will have more time and energy for the things that have place and purpose in your life. 4. STAY WITHIN THE CODE When a building is being renovated or built all work must comply with the proper building codes in order to pass inspection. It is important to take time to establish safeguards and only allow into our lives the things that really matter and contribute to our plan and purpose. Know yourself and know what is good for you, what adds value or contributes to who you are and what you want to become. We are often quick to say “yes” to avoid conflict or to make others happy. In order to lead successful lives we cannot allow an “anything goes” mentality to be pervasive. If we allow this we will constantly find debris underfoot and will forever be in “spring cleaning” mode. Make your job easier by not allowing things in that should be kept out. Remember your crew consists of you, you, and you. You must make the decision to change, you must implement change, and you must call on whatever help you need to get the job done. In the end, you will reap the benefits of a productive purpose-filled life. Plan your work and work your plan. Stay motivated. Until you see the success you desire, remember, you are Under Construction. © 2006 Donnett Ekwerike