As in the thread with Devin, you only really learn by doing it differently. If you are restrained too much by fear of change or over-criticised for making mistakes, then there is no long term benefit. But it's sometimes difficult to accept thua and be open about it to others. Hence part of the reason for my post today on Substack.
Although I create in different ways (I like to do (amateur) woodworking projects mostly), I can totally relate to the disappointment of the realization that your plan isn’t working out, but also the peace it gives to let go of the perfection. To step back, look at what you’ve created, and see that it still functions, that the heart and effort behind it were uniquely yours, and that usually nobody knows the difference except for you! I recently made a couple of display boards for my dad for Christmas (finished and delivered them to him a couple days ago because…procrastination), and when I ran the first one of the 2 boards through the CNC mill, I noticed my piece bowed upward so it affected the depth of the cuts. I had the same bow in the second board, so I planed it before running it through the mill. This one looked more consistent, but side-by-side, these boards are sort of noticeably different. But after finishing them and seeing the final product, my dad (who is a great woodworker) was really impressed with them, even with the imperfections! And when I looked at them, I had to force myself to be proud of the creation and it actually worked! Allowing the room for error is much more fulfilling to a satisfied project and for improvements on the next one. Your office looks great! (Sorry for the long comment; I’d have attached pictures of the boards instead of explaining if I was able to do that in these comments lol)
LOVE a long comment, esp such a beautifully written one. Woodworking must be so satisfying... And I'm glad to hear you sat with the imperfections, but even more that your dad did. Sometimes our parents find it harder?
Thank you! It is really satisfying in the end result, but I do frustrate myself with the little detail misses throughout (thanks, ADHD). I have found that to be true with parents as well in some cases, especially those of my students when I taught. Luckily, my dad is the one who taught me this skill since childhood (but I didn’t really develop until about last year…27 years in lol)
As in the thread with Devin, you only really learn by doing it differently. If you are restrained too much by fear of change or over-criticised for making mistakes, then there is no long term benefit. But it's sometimes difficult to accept thua and be open about it to others. Hence part of the reason for my post today on Substack.
Although I create in different ways (I like to do (amateur) woodworking projects mostly), I can totally relate to the disappointment of the realization that your plan isn’t working out, but also the peace it gives to let go of the perfection. To step back, look at what you’ve created, and see that it still functions, that the heart and effort behind it were uniquely yours, and that usually nobody knows the difference except for you! I recently made a couple of display boards for my dad for Christmas (finished and delivered them to him a couple days ago because…procrastination), and when I ran the first one of the 2 boards through the CNC mill, I noticed my piece bowed upward so it affected the depth of the cuts. I had the same bow in the second board, so I planed it before running it through the mill. This one looked more consistent, but side-by-side, these boards are sort of noticeably different. But after finishing them and seeing the final product, my dad (who is a great woodworker) was really impressed with them, even with the imperfections! And when I looked at them, I had to force myself to be proud of the creation and it actually worked! Allowing the room for error is much more fulfilling to a satisfied project and for improvements on the next one. Your office looks great! (Sorry for the long comment; I’d have attached pictures of the boards instead of explaining if I was able to do that in these comments lol)
LOVE a long comment, esp such a beautifully written one. Woodworking must be so satisfying... And I'm glad to hear you sat with the imperfections, but even more that your dad did. Sometimes our parents find it harder?
Thank you! It is really satisfying in the end result, but I do frustrate myself with the little detail misses throughout (thanks, ADHD). I have found that to be true with parents as well in some cases, especially those of my students when I taught. Luckily, my dad is the one who taught me this skill since childhood (but I didn’t really develop until about last year…27 years in lol)
Ha, it's great that you picked it up when it worked for you! We can't do all the things at once. Enjoy! Thanks for writing in :)