Controlling The Conversation
It has been said that a fool utters every thought that comes into his mind, but even the foolish is thought wise when he remains silent. All of us talk quietly to ourselves so no one else can hear, it is natural. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that voice was always a voice of encouragement and support instead of doubt and failure? It can be.
As I continue my recuperation on the sofa I find myself watching competitive fishing shows on the outdoor channel from time to time (OK most of the day). I couldn’t help but hear different contestants talking as the periods went along. Some kept saying “I have a chance to win this thing!” regardless of their standing, while some others decry their luck and speak failure and doubt even though they might be leading at the moment. They are convinced that someone else will come behind to beat them at the last moment while others talk like they will be the one to come from behind.
As woodturners, we can often talk ourselves into and out of success. Whether you are alone or demonstrating to 1 or 100, what you say to yourself or out loud is important. And for most of us what we think is what we tend to say. If you will teach your inner voice to say positive things, you will find success much more often than failure. I’m not suggesting you take foolish chances and try techniques you know have a high chance of failure, but rather that you tell yourself that you can master a technique as you search for insight. You can often talk yourself into success. I always had a rule during show-and-tell at my woodworking clubs; don’t point out your mistakes. If we don’t see them, they are not important. If we do see them, we should hold our tongues and find something positive to talk about.
As a young door-to-door salesman, my self-talk often went something like this, “If I make this call, they might turn me down so why should I try? Because if I try, they might listen to my pitch and they might buy. Then I will get a paycheck so I can feed my family and pay the rent! I think I’ll try after all.”
As a woodturner facing yet another challenge, one might have this conversation, “This is an expensive piece of burl and I might blow it up, I’m just not ready to try. But if I try, I might get it just right this time. There is a chance it will be gorgeous! I might get the walls just right after all if I am careful and take my time. I’ll bet I can get the perfect shape I have in mind this time. I think I can do it. I’m going to try!”
If you control your own still small voice and chose to say positive successful things to yourself, it could change your whole life and perhaps even those close to you. It is worth a try, don’t you think? Because wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message: Prov 17:28 NIV2 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. Rom 12:2 ESV2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Luke 5:22 ESV2 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts?
News regarding the
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™
With the help of my amazing family, this week we began production and shipping of Amazing Doughnut Chucks™ to customers who placed reservations beginning in Dec 2016. It is going to take a while to catch up and fill the backlog. Having said that, we will begin accepting new orders for the Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ and the Amazing Off-Center Chuck™ in the next couple of days and will update the website to accept orders. My best guess at this point is the lead times could be as little at two weeks or up to 4 weeks. If you placed a reservation, you should expect a phone call shortly to finalize your order.
I have included a price schedule and list of accessories for your consideration and review at the end of this newsletter. The package deals do save money over ordering the parts individually. There are also some new accessories listed.
Thanks for your patience, your loyalty and your friendship.
Ron Brown
I have prepared a very short video showing a typical texturing demonstration which I do for audiences at The Woodworking Shows each weekend this time of year. Although I’ve done many thousands of these, they never get old. I hope you enjoy this three and a half minute video.
Short Texturing Video (3-1/2 min)
Here is a quick tour of our Woodworking Show Booth for 2017. Hope you will come see us when we come to a city near you. https://youtu.be/2Owz3p3axzY
I check email when I'm on the road twice a day. The office phone, not so much. The other office staff have been instructed not to answer questions they are not equiped to handle.
Including Bottle Stopper Designs - 50 Plus classic designs. Free PDF.
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Instructions
ProGrind Instructions
We have bundled several of the most popular documents into one downloadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.