Our health is important and is the most relatable example of the need for maintenance. We can’t expect to be healthy sitting around doing nothing all day. We need to do some form of exercise whether it’s going for a walk or pumping some iron in the garage. We can’t expect to be healthy if we exercise here and there or only pay attention to our diet when we don’t feel good. Halloween just passed and all the candy that’s lying around in the kid’s candy bag will scream at us until we give in. And we will give in unless we create better habits. Consistent habits, like exercise, better meal planning, regular sleep, and mental health check-ins, are the maintenance routines that sustain our physical and emotional well-being. Neglecting them doesn’t just slow our progress, it can lead to us not feeling too great and many preventable issues. Issues that could affect our relationships.
Relationships of any type, personal or professional, thrive on maintenance. Maintaining communication, acts of kindness, and shared moments create strong foundations. Neglecting these areas leads to misunderstandings, resentments, and, distance. We can keep things thriving by consciously maintaining relationships by showing we care and respect others and by consistent dedication to the people we value. Maintenance here isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about nurturing and growing connections so that those connections when left on the back burning at times, and they will be, can bounce back without hesitation. It’s important in this fast-evolving world, I swear it was July last week, nope, Halloween, but it’s important to maintain relationships as well as our skills.
Maintaining and updating our skills is essential for the work we do. Especially in Maintenance. Just as physical spaces can become outdated, so can our abilities. Regularly refreshing or learning new skills, and networking are forms of maintenance that help us stay competitive and adaptable. We know we are replaceable, however, keeping up to date on things will keep us in the know at the very least. This also includes maintaining our mental well-being at work by setting boundaries and managing stress to avoid burnout. I’ll tell ya, after about ten years in maintenance, you get some burnout. Career maintenance is more than job security; it’s about crafting a fulfilling and enduring professional life.
Physical maintenance is crucial, too. Homes, vehicles, and other assets, or in most of our cases, liabilities, require regular upkeep to keep their value and functionality. A small leak left unattended in your house can eventually lead to costly repairs. Routine car checkups prevent major breakdowns. Please check your oil before the next time you take off somewhere. Regularly cleaning and organizing our spaces, or at least putting something away, reduces stress, increases productivity, and ensures we can fully enjoy our space. Physical maintenance teaches us to care for the things we value, appreciating them as extensions of ourselves. Start by making your bed in the morning after you get up. That’s a good way to start and maintain the day.
