Keeping Your Focus

Wow! Yesterday was wonderful because I spent the whole day in the shop turning wood. That might sound odd coming from a full–time professional woodturner. What started out as a hobby when I was 19 years old (flat work) turned into a full time business a little over 20 years ago. 10 years ago I joined the Woodworking Show Circuit and now travel about 50% of the year. As I emerged from the shop hot and sweaty covered in ebony shavings I couldn’t contain the huge smile on my face.

I was preparing for the upcoming AAW national symposium in Pittsburgh just a little less than three weeks from now. I am working furiously preparing samples for my new laser cut glue up kits. Yesterday was “Finial Day” as I created more than a dozen finials to go with the already turned Christmas ornament globes. I have long admired really exceptional finials created by Masters like Avelino Samuel from St. John in the Virgin Islands and of course Cindy Drozda. I am delighted with my results although I am not in their category just yet. Check out the photos below to see my progress. Sometimes it takes days like yesterday to remind me why I love what I do so much.

I have no one but myself to order my day, no one to tell me what to do, or set my priorities. If I am to continue to be productive and function at a high level I have to use all of my management skills gained from so many years in the business world to manage myself. So I do. I make lists every day. I set priorities every day. I develop a plan for every day. As a self–employed individual I cannot afford to lose focus. I decide what is important and what will move me towards my goals for that day, that week, that month and even for the upcoming show season. I plan ahead and ask myself what I can do today that will help me down the road. And yes, sometimes I take a personal day and just do fun stuff, usually with Sweet Janice.

If woodworking/turning is just a fun hobby you can still approach it in an organized way and eliminate much of the frustration. If it is a part–time hobby business the same structure can yield more satisfaction. If it is therapy from the cares of each day and a high–pressure job, forget all this nonsense and just go to the shop and make some shavings. Understanding why you’re there and what your purpose is in the first place will lead to a much more enjoyable experience in the shop.

The above ramblings have been confessions of a type A personality and self–admitted hyper–focused individual. Because, wherever you go there you are.

Here is my inspiration:

Proverbs 22:29 KJV Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.