Confidence Does Not Mean You’re Correct
Confidence does not equal competence.
top of page
Daily Dirt
Brief daily postings. Posts may be words/definitions, thoughts or quotes. On occasion, they may be even more random.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Dec 3, 2021
Feelings Last Forever
Make people feel good and build a better world.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Oct 29, 2021
Robots Coming for Our Dangerous Jobs
Robots are coming jobs that aren't so safe.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Oct 22, 2021
Don’t Hide From the Dignity of Hard Work
Working hard is good for the soul. Find some and do it.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Oct 1, 2021
Are You a Good Leader?
Good leaders should do regular self-evaluations. Are you a good leader?
Eric Vechan, PhD
Sep 24, 2021
You Can’t Run or Hide From the Truth
Whether you like or not, you can't avoid the truth.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Aug 20, 2021
Stoicism Doesn’t Always Mean Stoic
Stoicism is (can) be the way.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Aug 13, 2021
We Should Jack Around
Experts are great but in regular life, a jack of all trades is often better.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Aug 7, 2021
Don't Get Stuck
Change is inevitable. Don't run from it, Embrace and lead the change.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Jul 30, 2021
Culture is King
Culture creates success. The right culture will almost always win, even if tools and resources are scarce.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Jul 16, 2021
Think Happy Thoughts
Think happy thoughts and get positive results.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Jun 27, 2021
Create Your Own Way
If you want to be normal, follow the status quo. If you want to win, and win a lot, create your own way.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Jun 18, 2021
Integrity = Freedom
Having integrity means we have nothing to hide.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Jun 11, 2021
When Your Gut Beats Your Brain
More isn't always better. That's true with data at least. Sometimes a skilled person using gut feeling is better than an abundance of data.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Jun 5, 2021
Never Out of the Fight
With the right mindset, we are never out of the fight. No matter what comes our way, we can figure it out.
Eric Vechan, PhD
May 29, 2021
AI on Its Way to Running State DOTs
AI is on its way to using crowd sourced video to collect data and analyze transportation system conditions.
Eric Vechan, PhD
May 28, 2021
Make Excuses and Make a Path to Failure
Failures make excuses for failure.
Eric Vechan, PhD
May 14, 2021
Build Your Network by Adding Value
Add value to add to your network.
Eric Vechan, PhD
May 9, 2021
Make Plans a Reality With Communication
Without communication, strategy and plans are just ideas.
Eric Vechan, PhD
May 7, 2021
Smart Constructive Criticism
Dumb people can't provide constructive criticism.
Eric Vechan, PhD
May 2, 2021
Concrete Trumpet
Not all concrete is structural. Some can be musical.
Eric Vechan, PhD
May 1, 2021
Fear Won't Kill Us but It will Kill Our Capability
Fear of failure can stop many of us in our tracks. Ditching fear and focusing on the goal can lead to great things.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 30, 2021
New Roads to Build US Economy
We need to build roads to build a better America.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 18, 2021
Quitting is Soul Crushing
Quitting can be absolutely soul crushing.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 17, 2021
Explosion of Construction Costs
Inflation is hitting the construction industry hard right now. Costs are increasing faster than pricing to clients.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 16, 2021
Look Good Losing
When we win, we should make sure the other person or team look at least ok on their way out.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 11, 2021
Sustainable Construction Careers
A career in sustainable construction isn't just a pit stop or part time position. It can be a full time career path.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 10, 2021
Have Patience and Persevere
Winning requires patience. And a little perseverance and hard work.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 9, 2021
Gamification to Build Better
Gamification doesn't make a game out of work but it does feel like winning if it's done right.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 4, 2021
Character is Everything
Without character, little is achievable. Character is the key to everything.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 3, 2021
Cybersecurity Vital for Us Utilities
Without strong cybersecurity, physical security doesn't matter much.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Apr 2, 2021
Alignment Leads to Strength
Aligning values with other good things leads to strengthened character.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 28, 2021
Not Good News for Nuclear Construction
Nuclear facility construction is not easy.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 27, 2021
Persistence Is a Valuable Asset
Hard work and persistence beats talent.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 26, 2021
Positive Influence Leads to Positive Outcomes
Want to do great things at work? Positively influence people, duh.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 21, 2021
Speed Matters Less Than Positive Momentum
Confucius said to keep moving so we should keep moving to make big things happen.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 20, 2021
Seek First to Understand...
Don't try to get your customer to understand you. Work to understand your customer.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 19, 2021
Persistence and Energy Win
To win persistence and energy are required.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 14, 2021
Pandemic Pricing Puts Contractors in a Pinch
The pandemic is putting contractors and construction service providers in a bit of a pinch.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 13, 2021
Winners Have Willpower
Sometimes to win we just have to gut it out. Willpower wins the day.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 12, 2021
When Good Is Wrong
When things look good, they might actually be bad.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 7, 2021
Patience and Perseverance Beat Hard Times
When challenged, patience and perseverance create a winner.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 6, 2021
America's Infrastructure Needs a Study Hall
America's infrastructure is bad. Could it benefit from some financial investment and some extra effort like an old fashioned study hall?
Eric Vechan, PhD
Mar 5, 2021
Positive Momentum Multiplies Opportunities
Build momentum in the right direction and build a ton of work.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Feb 28, 2021
Perq Is a Modular Parking Garage Solution
Need a parking garge fast? You might need to Perq it up.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Feb 27, 2021
Work Required
Wanna win? You gotta work.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Feb 26, 2021
Sustainability Will Be Key
Sustainability is the way. Build a better world.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Feb 20, 2021
Together We Are Smart
Together we are smarter.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Feb 19, 2021
Build Your Helm, Get Where You Want to Go
Build your helm to steer your career where you want to be.
Eric Vechan, PhD
Feb 15, 2021
Mistakes Will Be Made but Don't Quit
Struggles and mistakes will happen but don't give up.
bottom of page