Flash Dance

I don't know if I'll get this project.

I bid it high. High enough to do my best work. High enough to give some of the finite space in my schedule to it. High enough to make a real profit.

I got an email that lightly questioned my pricing and mentioned they were inviting another mason to quote the job. I felt that flash of reaction we all get, a mix of anger and fear and god knows what else, but it passed quickly. Wouldn’t I get more than one quote on a major project I was paying for? Should I really be offended? Defensive? Hurt?

Am I too fragile to be questioned?

We get to choose how we respond in these situations. I’m not always successful, but I try to remember, it’s not personal.

I answered calmly and directly. I stood by my price. I even recommended the other mason they’re considering because he is excellent, probably better than me in a lot of ways. And I meant it. They would be lucky to have him.

There's plenty of work for everyone. If this project doesn’t work out for me, I'll take it as a blessing. Something better will come along. It always does.