Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP

“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”

By Michelle Blevins
editor's blog
May 19, 2017

As I was trying to figure out what to write for this month’s column, I stumbled upon this quote – and boy did it strike me as profound. This can be read on so many levels!

For me, it made me realize I need to learn to move on from life’s hiccups and stresses quicker. Sometimes, I get a bit “hung over” when the stress of life, work, and expectations reach certain levels. Perhaps, instead, I need to look at each day as a new day – with a fresh to-do list, and a new opportunity to take another bite out of everything on my plate. If there is anything I’ve learned so far this year, it is that it is okay for things to not be perfect. As Sheryl Sandberg says in Lean In, sometimes “done” is good enough. We cannot live our lives under the shadow of perfection.

As I stared at this quote (which, by the way, has varying sources including Will Rogers and an old Cherokee Proverb), I thought about other meanings it could hold. When it comes to an industry as a whole, it could also be interpreted as making sure we aren’t spending so much time in the past, that we aren’t taking the time to pave new roads for innovations, ideas, and even new talent and industry leadership. It’s a widely known truth that people fear change. It can also be understandably difficult for a longtime business owner, industry veteran, or thought leader to take a step back and entrust the work they have done to advance the industry into the hands of “fresh blood.”

But let me ask you a question. Have you ever met an industry that is harder working that this? I doubt it. And I think you would also be hard-pressed to find another industry with the work ethic and servant heart of restorers! In my opinion, you are all cream of the crop. The best of the best. Age and generation have nothing to do with it. Each generation brings its own strengths and weaknesses.

At the RIA’s International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo in Palm Springs in early March, there were a number of “young restorers” in attendance, and several opportunities to network with and learn from them. Many are wise beyond their years, and anxious to bring the science, methodology, and work ethic from the generations before them into a whole new era for the restoration industry. They spoke about guiding the morale, vision, and direction of their companies; learning their talents, and learning where to ask for help. They understand the concept of spending more time, as a leader, on the business than in it, and how to create unique organizational structures that keep everyone accountable and motivated.

So let’s all work together to embrace, respect, and wholeheartedly appreciate the groundwork laid by current and past generations of restorers – and be sure we work together to ensure the next generation of restoration industry leadership is better prepared than ever before to carry the torch!

Share This Story

Michelle blevins headshot 200px

Michelle Blevins is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation. From April 2015 through July 2021, Michelle oversaw all of the editorial content and focused on multimedia efforts for the brand.

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Recent Comments

article review`

Agility

Information

Thanks for sharing this with us here....

Great Post. Thanks for sharing with us a...

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

wall cavity drying

Dry or Demolish? Navigating the Complexities of Wall Cavity Restoration

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Ask the Expert: Catastrophe Panel - Back to the Basics Part 1

Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Restoration Services

What restoration/remediation service do you prioritize most?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing