Screed Setting: Attitude of Gratitude

In recent paving best practices articles, we’ve discussed setting the angle of attack to get the screed’s attitude positioned for optimum success. This concept applies to more than the iron with which we work. Look at the way we set ourselves and our colleagues up for optimum success. And look at the way we can use the holiday season we’re entering to increase that success.

We’re going into the winter down season in many parts of North America where we see some workers laid off from construction work until spring, some put on call for snow removal, some shifted to equipment or site maintenance, and so on. It’s not easy to handle a three- or four-month furlough from employment. It’s not easy to be the one to show up at midnight when the temperature is 5°F to man the sand/salt truck for a handful of parking lots ahead of a winter storm.

In last month’s column, I suggested we can adjust our own outlook, as well as that of a colleague, by reaching out with kindness to those who may be distracted or hurting. I think I suggested we all remember to touch grass. That may sound flippant at first, but it’s a reminder to take responsibility for our thoughts. Track with me here.

During the month of November, our thoughts turn to thankfulness. Made-for-TV specials show us families reconnecting and adorable cartoon characters gathering for clumsily assembled feasts. It’s a time to slow down in our personal lives and consider gratitude.

What are we thankful for?

At the end of the day, what do we list among our blessings? I’ve been through the times when those blessings were nothing more than surviving whatever the nurses at an oncology center were doing to me. I’ve enjoyed the times when those blessings filled pages of lists of positivity like petals of poetry. And I’ve seen myself look for blessings in between.

It may sound trite or New Age-like to suggest, but setting our attitudes for gratitude and looking for the blessings in each day goes a long way toward derailing the negative reactions I mentioned last month. Rather than letting outside forces “trigger” a body into staying home to drink a 12-pack, a healthy mindset processes the nightly news appropriately and gets back to daily life.

This month, we have an article from Cal Beyer of SAFE Project sharing some of the resources and tips for employers to address alcohol use as it affects the workforce. I’d like to hear how employers and workers alike are planning to minimize alcohol consumption this holiday season for whole-body health and to assist in clearing minds for positive thoughts. It’s that time of year when such conversations may be easier to dive into—why not take advantage of that and help a colleague see that the downward trend in alcohol use among his or her age group is something to celebrate and emulate?

As I mentioned at the beginning, we set our equipment at the start of a paving shift to get the right result. That involves getting the screed’s angle of attack just right. Why then wouldn’t we set our minds and spirits at the start of a day to get the right result? This involves so much more than dialing numbers, but one I’d like to remind readers to have on hand is 988—the national suicide and crisis lifeline. You can also text “hello” to 741741. Skilled, trained counselors are available 24/7 to help you or a colleague.

Personally, I want to set my attitude to gratitude, even on days when it may be tough to do, and I’m thankful for the reminder this November. From the AsphaltPro staff, we hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones and friends.

Stay Safe,

Sandy Lender