The Common Ain't so Common

“If you follow the same advice as the average person, you’ll likely end up with average results.”

The Trap of Common Advice
Think about the typical advice you hear: "Just follow what everyone else is doing, and you’ll be fine." While it sounds safe, following common advice often leads to mediocre results. For remodelers, this can mean underpricing services, cutting corners, and ultimately getting stuck in a cycle of low-paying, high-stress jobs.

Studies back this up. Research from Frontiers in Psychology reveals that even experienced professionals can fall into cognitive traps like confirmation bias and overconfidence, leading to poor decisions. If experts struggle with flawed thinking, how much harder is it for the average person to offer truly helpful advice? Taking advice from someone following the same cycle of shortcuts and assumptions is a fast path to mediocrity.

Let’s take a real-life example: You’re working on a kitchen remodel, and a friend suggests using the cheapest materials to save costs. While this may reduce initial expenses, it’s likely to result in future repairs, complaints, and even harm to your reputation. The long-term costs of poor quality far outweigh the short-term savings, illustrating why common advice often leads to pitfalls.

The Power of Self-Awareness and Discernment
So, how do you break free from the average and build a thriving business? The key lies in self-awareness and discernment.

Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman highlights the importance of understanding how your mind works to make better decisions. Those with high self-awareness are better at spotting cognitive biases in their own thinking and in the advice of others. This self-awareness is especially critical in remodeling, where every decision—from materials to pricing—impacts both your business and your clients’ satisfaction.

For example, instead of blindly following advice to “win jobs by lowering prices,” use discernment to evaluate your pricing strategy. Reflect on past projects to see if underpricing has helped or hindered your business. You may find that raising prices for higher-quality work builds a stronger reputation, leading to more profitable, long-term relationships.

Practical Steps to Break Away from Common Advice
Ready to move beyond the status quo? Here are actionable steps to elevate your business:

Question Everything: Before taking advice, ask, “Is this person successful in the way I want to be successful?” If not, don’t accept their advice at face value. Dig deeper and evaluate how it applies to your goals.

Build Self-Awareness: Reflect daily on your decisions. Did fear or habit drive them, or were they based on clear thinking? Recognize patterns that lead to better outcomes and refine your approach.

Embrace Discomfort: David Goggins, a mental toughness expert, stresses that growth happens when you push past discomfort. Price your services fairly, even if it means losing a few bids. The right clients will value your expertise and become loyal advocates.

Think Long-Term: Successful remodelers make decisions with the future in mind. Focus on building a reputation for quality, integrity, and reliability rather than just securing quick, low-paying jobs.

Consider a remodeler who refuses to discount services simply to win jobs. They might lose some clients initially, but the ones who stay become loyal and willing to pay for quality. Over time, this approach builds a reputation that commands respect—and higher prices. By embracing these practices, you prioritize long-term stability over quick wins.

Imagine the Possibilities with a Different Approach
Now, imagine this: you’ve shifted your mindset. You’re no longer following the crowd or accepting common advice without scrutiny. You’re attracting clients who value your work and are willing to pay for your expertise. You’re not stressed about underpricing, and your business is growing steadily, powered by satisfied clients who recommend you to others.

By combining self-awareness, mental toughness, and a long-term strategy, you’re building a remodeling business—and a life—that’s exceptional, not average.

Why Success Rates Matter
Statistics show that nearly half of independent remodeling businesses fail within five years, and only a third are still in business after seven years. The remodelers who succeed are curious, resilient, financially savvy, and committed to learning continuously.

What does this mean for you? To stand out in the industry, focus not only on technical skills but also on financial management, emotional intelligence, and resilience. These qualities help remodelers rise above average, delivering both excellence in their craft and a quality client experience.

In Summary:

​The path to success isn’t found in common advice or shortcuts; it’s in self-awareness, smart decision-making, and challenging yourself to rise above the norm. When you prioritize quality, integrity, and intentional growth, you set the foundation for a thriving remodeling business—one that’s built to last.