Let me paint you a picture (with the one wall that isn’t taped off right now): I’m currently living through a home remodel. And when I say “living through,” I mean literally breathing in drywall dust and navigating around ladders, tools, and chaos just to make a cup of coffee.

It’s inconvenient. It’s messy. It’s loud. And it’s hijacking every routine I had going for me.

But you know what else it is? Worth it.

See, this whole remodeling situation got me thinking: this is basically leadership and life in a nutshell.

We all want the upgraded master bath —or metaphorically speaking, the more fulfilling role, the stronger team, the better version of ourselves—but most of us would really prefer to skip the part where we have to demolish stuff, get uncomfortable, and live in chaos for a while.

The hubs and I always said we never wanted to build a house because we preferred to stay married (joking, not joking) … And yet here we are living in the house while we’re remodeling. What can I tell ya? Occasionally I take leave of my senses.

But here’s the deal: the inconvenience is temporary. The improvement is permanent.

That is, if you do the work with intention, vision, and a healthy respect for people who know what they’re doing with power tools.

So, in the spirit of surviving both renovation and reinvention, here are a few leadership lessons from the front lines of my home remodel.

1. You Need a Vision—Otherwise You’re Just Breaking Stuff

Before one hammer came down, we had to get crystal clear on what we wanted. Not “a nicer bedroom and bathroom,” but how do we want this space to feel? How do we want to live in it?

Same goes for leadership. You can’t just tear things down—habits, routines, systems—without a clear picture of what you’re trying to build. What kind of leader do you want to be? What kind of life do you want to live? What kind of culture do you want to create?

Vision gives purpose to the mess. And let me tell you, without that guiding star, all you’re left with is debris and regrets.

2. You Can’t DIY Everything (No Matter What HGTV Says)

Yes, I could attempt to reroute plumbing on my own. I also could end up with a geyser in the middle of the living room. There are professionals for a reason.

Same goes in your professional life. Just because you could do it all, doesn’t mean you should. Delegating isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you’re not trying to be the martyr with a wrench in one hand and burnout in the other (and BTW nobody likes a martyr).

Surround yourself with skilled people. Trust them. Let go.

Then go focus on what only you can do.

3. It’s Gonna Get Messy Before It Gets Better

There’s a moment in every renovation where you look around and think, “WHY did we do this? Was the old tile really that bad?” (And in case you’re wondering, yes, indeed the tile was that bad)

That’s the moment you have to push through.

Because whether you’re breaking bad habits, shifting team dynamics, or taking a big step outside your comfort zone, it always looks worse before it gets better. Growth is messy. Change is awkward. And progress isn’t always Pinterest-worthy.

You have to trust the process—even when you can’t see the progress.

4. Temporary Discomfort Beats Permanent Regret

Yes, it’s annoying to live out of boxes. Yes, my daily routine has been absolutely steamrolled. But if we’d chosen to stay in our “good enough” setup forever, we’d always be settling for less.

In leadership and in life, it’s easy to get stuck in the comfort zone of “this is fine.”

But “fine” isn’t flourishing. “Fine” won’t get you the career, the impact, the relationships, or the life you’re really craving.

So disrupt yourself now and then. Let things get uncomfortable. It’s the only way to get to your next level.

One Final Word (and a Lot of Dust):

Here’s what I know for sure: The process is annoying. But the outcome? It’s going to be beautiful.

So whether you’re remodeling a house, rebuilding a team, or redesigning your life—have a vision, ask for help, embrace the mess, and keep going. The dust will settle, the noise will quiet, and you’ll be so glad you didn’t quit halfway through demolition.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go find my blow dryer. Again.

Don’t go it alone.

If you’re in the middle of your own personal or professional renovation and need a sounding board (or someone to tell you you’re not crazy), hit reply. I’m always happy to help you build something beautiful.