Episode 45 : Importance of Reflection

Ever feel like you're running flat out and never stopping to think how far you've actually come? In this episode, I’m taking a pause to talk about reflection – why it's critical for tradies like us, especially when we’re running businesses, juggling tools, staff and life. I take you right back to my first fencing job as a teenager (and what a disaster that was) to show how far we can all come when we just keep at it.

This one’s personal. I talk about earning $65 for three days of hard yakka, putting chainsaw chains on backwards, and struggling with nothing but a grinder and a bit of grit. But it’s not just about the story – it's about what we learn from it. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not getting ahead fast enough, this episode’s for you. Plus, a reminder that the Fencing Industry Awards are just around the corner – and why they matter.

How to use reflection to grow your fencing business and keep your head straight

• Give yourself credit: Don't always look at where you are – take a moment to acknowledge how far you've come.
  

• Expect a rough start: Your first few jobs won’t make you rich or win quality awards. That’s normal.
  

• Keep learning by doing: Mistakes – like chains on backwards – are part of the process. Don’t quit because of them.
  

• Balance perfection and profit: Striving for perfection on every job will cost you time and money. Get good, then get quick.
  

• Use what’s available: These days, with YouTube and Google, you’ve got everything at your fingertips. No excuses.
  
  

Timeline summary

[00:32] – Why reflection matters when you're running flat out
[01:14] – The story of my very first fencing job back in 1999
[03:25] – Chainsaw fail: I put the chain on backwards and couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t cutting
[04:14] – Trying to pull posts out of concrete with nothing but a grinder
[05:47] – From $65 jobs to 80 metres a day: how persistence paid off
[07:58] – The reality of early jobs: low money, average quality, and slow as
[09:22] – Don't beat yourself up – learning curves are steep but worth it
[10:04] – Reflection is good for the soul and your sanity
[10:21] – Reminder: Fencing Industry Awards coming up 19–20 March in Penrith

Links & resources

• https://fencingindustryaustralia.com.au/
  

If this one hit home, don’t forget to rate, review, follow and share the podcast. Catch you next time.