Why Honesty with Yourself is the Key to Growth

Everyone talks about growth in business—whether it’s scaling your company, landing bigger projects, or becoming a better entrepreneur. But here’s something most people won’t tell you: real growth starts with brutal honesty—with yourself.

When I was younger, I thought I was going to go pro in golf. That was the dream. I practiced, competed, and had some natural talent. But there was a turning point when I realized I didn’t have what it took—not because I wasn’t good enough, but because I wasn’t willing to put in the work required to be great. I saw friends practicing for hours longer than me, grinding it out on the range when I was already home watching TV. That was the moment I had to be honest with myself.

And that honesty? It saved me a lot of time and frustration.

In construction, it’s the same. You might want to grow your company, land million-dollar contracts, or be the top contractor in your area. But are you willing to put in the effort required? Are you making the calls, following up with clients, managing your team, and staying on top of the details? Or are you just hoping it’ll happen because you’ve been around long enough?

Here’s the hard truth: you can’t fake the reps. Whether it’s golf, business, or life, you either put in the work, or you don’t. And if you’re not willing to put in the work, that’s okay—but be honest about it. Don’t beat yourself up for not reaching a goal if you weren’t really committed in the first place.

So how do you apply this in your business?

• Set Realistic Goals: Know what you actually want and what you’re willing to do to get it.