Finding Your Groove With Kathleen Thompson

It’s tempting to add features or embellishments to our art.  What we make.  But true creativity is often shown in its simplicity.  Because when you strip something down, the true quality is revealed.  On this episode, we talk together about sealing your creativity with a KIS.

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Rhythm of Life – My Word for 2019

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.  –Leonardo da Vinci

I select a theme word at the beginning of each year.  This is based on the principles in Jon Gordon’s book “One Word That Will Change Your Life”

Some of my words in past years were Create.  And Joy.

I had a few options, and hadn’t settled on anything for 2019.  And then one day I woke up and thought I had it.  Listen to the episode to hear what I chose.

Have you come up with your one word for this year yet?  If not, why not do it this week?  Let your One Word be your North Star for however, much remains of 2019. And let’s see what unfolds.

Back in Episode 97, I said that the Sia song “Chandelier” should be retired.

Well, after this past weekend I’m changing my mind.  At least slightly.  Because after hearing someone sing it well, I realized it wasn’t the song I didn’t like.  It was the delivery.

The same was true with brussels sprouts.  It wasn’t the vegetable I didn’t like.  It was the way they were presented.

Sometimes think we don’t like something, when it’s really the delivery or package we don’t like.  I don’t want to reject something that could be incredible because it didn’t look that way at first glance.  Maybe you don’t either.  Because sometimes the package hides the beauty inside or underneath.

The next time you experience something you don’t like, ask yourself why.  Maybe it’s not the thing at all.  Maybe it’s just the package.

Maria Callas told a young singer to eliminate vocal embellishments unless they better communicated the emotion of the song.  Creativity is the same way. It isn’t about more.  It’s about less.  Seal your creativity with a KIS – Keep It Simple.

It’s similar to what we talked about on Episode 105, except here it’s about the output, as opposed to the process.

Sadly, this isn’t how many people or companies operate.  They act as though they believe more is more.  Food companies are notorious for this.  As are software companies.  They load up on options or new versions.  It gets confusing and dilutes the brand.  Do you know that Quaker Oats now has 25 flavors of instant oatmeal?  And all of them are less healthy than the original

Contrast with the iPhone.  The design is simple.  They’ve resisted complicating it over time.

We so often try to add more, thinking people get more for their money that way.  Much of that just adds to confusion.

How can you deliver simplicity when the tendency is to expand?  How can you know how much is enough and not less than enough?

Finally, if creativity delivers simplicity, keep thinking “How can I deliver the most powerful and effective result?” Don’t rest until you’ve achieved best balance you can between functionality and simplicity.

Simplicity isn’t simple.  If was, everyone would do it.  Artisans practice KISing their creative work.  Because true creativity delivers simplicity every time.

What are you creating?  Is there anything that’s overly complex, confusing, or just plain too much?  How can you simplify it?  If you’re having trouble figuring out what to do, send an email to [email protected].   Or leave a comment.

Are you longing for your creativity to deliver extraordinary results?  Seal it with a KIS.

Want your creativity to deliver extraordinary results? Seal it with a KIS.
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The post Episode 107: The Artisan Life – Seal Creativity With a KIS first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

We so often believe that constraints are stifling our creativity.  Yet, often it’s the presence of constraints that fuels our creative fire.  Listen to this episode to learn how you can use constraints to boost creativity.

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Tune-up Tip – Don’t Say “Nuts” to Nuts

I think frugality drives innovation, just like other constraints do. One of the only ways to get out of a tight box is to invent your way out.  –Jeff Bezos

At the start of this new year, many of us are thinking about our diet – specifically starting one.  There are so many options that it’s hard to keep track.

Then there’s the confusion about what’s good for you.  Something’s bad for you one day, and good the next. And nuts are no exception to the confusion.

An article in May 2018 issue of Tufts Health & Nutrition Newsletter describes several health benefits of nuts.  And also advises us how we can include them as part of a healthy diet.  Listen to the episode to hear the good news about nuts.

I was at my Alexander lesson.  I could feel the relative freedom in much of my body and breathing.  And then we came to my shoulders.  They felt as though there wasn’t any more they could give.  They had gone as far as they could go.  I guess that was true – for that day.  But that doesn’t mean that’s as far as they can go forever.  Tomorrow could be different.

Think of your life that way too.  As far as you could go today might not be the edge tomorrow.

So why not have hope?

I sit with a blank piece of paper and pencil.  Ready to start writing my first song in more than 10 years.  Apprehensive.  Unsure of myself.  Almost afraid to write the first word.

Now I close my eyes.  Remind myself of the type of song I wanted to write.  Now the picture becomes clear.  And so does the storyline of the song.  Why?  –Because I created constraints.  Constraints magnify creativity.

We often think we need more something to be creative.  Actually, the opposite is often true.  Constraints require more creativity because we keep bumping up against the boundaries.

Here are some powerful ways that constraints can stoke your creativity.

What is also needed besides constraints?  Belief that the impossible can be possible.  Or, as Marissa Mayer says, “…a healthy disregard for the impossible.”

How many products we use every day seemed impossible – or impossibly stupid – in the beginning?  Like the iPhone or Spanx.

The film Landfill Harmonic beautifully depicts doing incredibly creative work in some of the most challenging constraints.

Constraints fire creativity.  Constraints of working from existing ideas, regulating the number of ideas, obstacles, and limited resources.

What constraints you living with?  What can you even manufacture?  How could these constraints help you become more creative in your own walk of life?  Leave a comment.

Constraints can be the catalyst for creativity.
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The post Episode 106: The Artisan Life – Constraints Ignite Creativity first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

Happy New Year!  We ring it in with a bang.  And then we have 365 days to live it out.  The universe began with a big bang.  And now it’s just…life.  We so often think life is meant to be a series of big bangs.  Bang! It’s done.  But once the bang has faded, we still have the rest of life.  And how we live each day often matters more than the bang.

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Rhythm of Life – What if They’re Doing the Best They Can?

Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is the result of good work habits.  –Twyla Tharp

Brene Brown’s therapist asked her a challenging question when she was complaining about how someone acted:  “What if they’re doing the best they can?”

Studies have shown that we often judge others by their results and ourselves by our intent.  I’ve seen that in my own life.  Empathy is when we don’t do that. When we understand what someone else may be feeling, rather than simply judge them.

So though I’ve seen that I sometimes judge others, I’ve also seen that I often judge myself more harshly than I judge others.  Maybe you do too.  What if you asked yourself a similar question: “What if I’m doing the best I can?”

As we start this New Year, why not take time to appreciate just how far come in the last year?  Then start this new year with a greater understanding of yourself and others.  Greater appreciation.  Knowing we’re all doing the best we can right now.  And that’s all we can ever do.

In Episode 103, I talked about how annoying I found the song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”.  I didn’t say the song should be banned, which sounds like book burning.  But merely that perhaps its time had come to quietly be retired.  After I wrote the episode but before it released, a radio station pulled it from  its playlist, citing #metoo.  And then things went crazy.

People called in, demanding they reinstate the song.  Friends on Facebook discussed it back and forth.  Then William Shatner jumps into fray.  It got ugly.

It’s easy to love people in theory.  It’s harder close up.  When we don’t agree.  But let’s cut the noise.  Dial down the rhetoric.  Have real conversation instead.  Listen with the intent to understand.

In 2019, let’s agree to listen more than we speak.  To hear with our hearts.  To give as much as take.  Let’s make civil rights and #metoo unnecessary by treating one another as brothers and sisters we’re meant to be.

Let’s make this a happy new year for everyone.

The universe was created with a big bang.  Some say it was through a concentration of energy, and others say it was spoken by God.

That was wonderful and all, but what happens next?  And they all lived happily ever after?  Actually, the rest of life happens next.

Here at New Years, there are so many advertising products that promise a big bang.  Instant change.

Now quick fixes are great, because they help us see that change is possible.  Once we believe it’s possible, we’ll work harder to achieve it.  But we still have to work to make that change a habit.  Do it over the long haul.

Small, consistent actions done over time is what makes change happen.

We’re in the middle of a series on being an Artisan, and talking about creativity.  It’s easy to believe creativity comes in a spurt – like a big bang.  And that isn’t necessarily true.  It often comes by showing up day after day.

This New Year, don’t get sucked into advertising for Big Bang anything.  The Big Bang already happened.  Now it’s up to you to live the rest of your life.  With a series of little drips that makes a big difference.  What do you want to start dripping?  Let me know in the comments.

Remember this when you’re looking for a big bang: the Grand Canyon was made with tiny drips.
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The post Episode 105: The Artisan Life – Forget the Big Bang Theory first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

Today we bring our Artisan Series together with celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas.  What are we talking about?  Taking time to wonder.  Recapturing that sense of wonder we had when we were children helps fuel creativity.  And gratitude.  Wonder feeds your soul.

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Feature Segment – Time to Wonder

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.  Steven Hawking

Remember when you were a kid and looked up at the stars?  Or saw what was underneath the water?  You looked around and dreamed.  And wondered.

Somewhere along the way, you lost that child-like wonder.  You got hurt. Wonder was replaced by “reality”.

Picture these movies:  Blade Runner and The Matrix.  They depict a stark and dark reality.  Even the hero can’t truly change the world.  He can make it a bit more human, perhaps, but the world will still be dark.

Then there’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  It starts out dark too.  It’s only winter all the time.  And yet.  Something’s different.  Or more accurately, someone’s different.  Aslan.  The Lion.  King of Narnia.  He brings hope.  He brings spring.  He brings back a sense of wonder.

In order to live the life of an Artisan, you need to develop your creativity.  To do that, it takes a world view that believes change is possible.  An abundance mindset.  That opens up the world of wonder.  Helps you to really see.

So today, as you celebrate this holiday season, and think about your creative journey, take time for wonder.  Here are some ways you could practice:

I wonder what you might make in the new year?  Leave a comment.

Wonder feeds your soul and fuels your creativity.
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The post Episode 104: Time to Wonder first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

Creativity isn’t something you either have or don’t have.  And believe it or not, you were born creative.  On this episode in our Artisan Series, we’re talking about 4 habits you can develop that will help your creativity to flourish.

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Rhythm of Life – Finding the Words, a Song Update

If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die.  –Maya Angelou

You heard on the last episode how I was struggling to find the right words for a song I was writing?  As of the last episode, the only thing I had that I liked was part of the chorus.  The third line was predictable and had to go.

I had tried to write the bridge, and that was even worse.  4 of the 5 pages of failed attempts were the words to the bridge.

So I took a different approach.  I asked myself, “What are the circumstances at the beginning of the song?  And then, what has to happen to move me to where I am at the chorus?”  That got me thinking more about the arc of the storyline and less about the words.  Then it was a matter of choosing words that rhymed, fit the rhythm of the melody, and were easy to understand.

While all that was going on, I went from 5 pages of notes to 17.  It was painful at times.  Fun at others.  And always an adventure.  I didn’t know where I’d end up.  And the journey was interesting.  I saw that I can actually edit my own work pretty ruthlessly to get to a better result.  It was a great exercise.

I learned some lessons while I wrote this song that you can hear when you listen to the episode.  And apply them when you have to make a speech or presentation.

If you want to hear my songs as I record them, go to my YouTube channel.

I don’t know why this song keeps getting recorded. Because have you ever really listened to the words?

Let’s see…..

In the era of #metoo, or even when you use common sense, would you sing this song?  Play it?  One radio station eliminated it from their playlist just before I recorded this episode.

There’s nothing wrong with showing respect for people who often don’t get it.  Like women.  People of color.  People with disability.  Jesus did it all the time.  With tax collectors.  Prostitutes. Blind people and lepers.

Maybe 2019 will be the year we turn #metoo into #respectforall.  And why not start right now?

Today is the first episode in our Artisan Series to focus on creativity.  Since the work revolution will mean that the best work goes to artisans, and artisans need craftsmanship and creativity, the more you can develop your creative muscle the better.  And the cool thing is that this is a skill you can develop.  It’s not just meant for certain artist types.

Here are 4 habits you can practice to develop your creativity.

Sleep-deprivation is ubiquitous in the United States.  And yet driving while sleep-deprived can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.  The problem is we can always just fix it.  We can only encourage sleep by practicing good sleep hygiene.

There are tons of resources to help you get more and better quality sleep.  And if they don’t work, you can see a professional like I did.

To develop and sustain optimal creativity, get at least 7 hours sleep per night.

Daniel Pink in his book When says that certain times of day are optimal for certain activities.  He cites some norms, and then advises that you test your own work to determine your own rhythms.

Related to that are the work/break methods to help you focus.

Pomodoro Technique – 25 minutes of work and then either a 3-5 minute or 15-30 minute break.

52/17 Rule – detailed in The Muse.

Also from Daniel Pink in his book A Whole New Mind.  He recommends paying attention to design and writing down your observations.

There are other ways too.  Listen to the episode to hear  suggestions.

A great example of someone who practiced this technique was Victor Borge, the comic pianist.  Here’s a short YouTube clip of a classic bit.

Gratitude builds positivity.  It frees your creative mind.   It doesn’t so much matter how.  What matters is that you do it.  Regularly.  As a practice.  Habit.

Creativity can be elusive.  It needs space to work.  It unfolds like a flower.  You can encourage its growth by practicing the 4 habits.

One of the things that creates the most meaningful life is when you exercise your creativity with and for other people.

I can’t wait to see what you make.  If you have any ideas about what it might be, leave a comment.

Creativity doesn’t perform on command. It unfolds like a flower.
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The post Episode 103: 4 Habits That Foster Creativity first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

One key to building craftsmanship as part of the Artisan Life is to practice.  And not just any practice.  Because as you’ll hear on this episode, practice doesn’t make perfect.  It makes something else.  Something you might not want.  Here’s how to practice in a way that actually develops your skill.

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Rhythm of Life – Sometimes There Are no Words

Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes permanent.  –Dan Heath

It all started as a dare.  I was challenged to write a song in 2 weeks.

I did it.  It wasn’t easy.  I struggled with words, but I eventually did it.

Then I started on a second song.  Had the same struggle.  Because emotions run deep, and we feel them in a different part of our brain than where language sits.

I did finish it though.

Now I’m onto song 3.  I got the chorus pretty quickly.  After that, I got stuck.  I’ve been working every day for more than a week just on a 4-line bridge.  It’s just not right.

Part of the reason been having trouble finding the words is because the emotion is stronger this time.  It’s about something I have to choose to do every day.  How I have to choose to live.  And let’s face it.  Sometimes there just aren’t words.  And yet as songwriters, we try and find them.

I’ll let you know when I finish it.  I’ll put it up on YouTube with the others.

Here’s a link to a round table discussion with 6 incredible songwriters.

One comment that stuck with me was that these writers feel privileged to write songs that become the soundtrack for someone else’s life.  And you know, the words we say to others do that too.  It’s a big responsibility.  Be careful of the words you use.  Not out of fear.  Out of respect and love.

Have you heard of the Butterfly Effect?  That even a small butterfly flapping its wings can have a huge effect on the weather – even causing a typhoon a long distance away?

There was a movie about this in 2014.  And Andy Andrews published a book in 2009.

Perhaps you’ve seen this in your own life.  You make one decision that seems small – and it changes the course of your life.

For the want of a nail the shoe was lost,

At times like these where politics has become a series of contentious sound-bites, and people are trying to be more self-expressed and let it all hang out, it’s time to think about the butterfly effect.

I’m standing in my voice teacher’s studio.  Doing my warm-up exercises.  Starting low and moving higher by half steps.  He watches and listens intently to see what I’m doing.  When he finds something that isn’t working as it should, he stops and corrects it.

In the 5 lessons I’ve had so far, I can see that in each one he’s focused on one aspect of my singing.  He doesn’t work on everything at once.  He’s been methodical.  He believes in practicing success and building on it, which is essence of what we’re talking about today – Deep Practice.

That term was coined by Daniel Coyle in his book “The Talent Code”.

He defines it this way:  “The form of learning marked by 1) the willingness to operate on the edge of your ability, aiming for targets that are just out of reach, and 2) the embrace of attentive repetition.”

Here’s how you can do Deep Practice:

Once you’ve practiced enough and put it into context, you can try it out in performance.  Don’t be surprised if you have mixed results.  It might take a while to fully incorporate new learning into performance.

Once you’ve mastered this skill in performance, repeat the same steps with a different skill.

Where would you like to start?  Pick one thing.  Just one thing.  Get a coach if you need one.  And then keep practicing.

The Talent Code –Daniel Coyle

Practice Perfect – Doug Lemov, Erica Woolway, Katie Yezzi

Work with me.  Fill out the short form at the bottom of this page.  I’ll get in touch with you to explore working together.

Instead of racing to the bottom, why not race to the top?  Where do you want to start?

Deep practice is one of the keys that unlocks craftsmanship.
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The post Episode 102: Building Craftsmanship – Practice first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

Being an apprentice has historically been a route to craftsmanship.  Yet, formal apprenticeships have fallen by the wayside, except for some of the trades.  On this episode we talk about how you can reap some of the same benefits of an apprenticeship using modern technology and programs.

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Rhythm of Life – It’s Meant to be Scary

Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best friend.  –Bill Watterson

In the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible, King Saul and the Israelites are hiding in caves from the Philistines.  They’re outnumbered about 10,000 to 600.  Jonathan, Saul’s son, decides to take action.  Even though he doesn’t have any promise that God will intervene on their behalf.

It’s easy to think that Jonathan just had super-human courage.  But what if he’s just as scared as your or me?  And took action anyway?  I look at my own life, and see how often I start to take action and then back off.  Play it safe.

And yet I know that what it means to live fully alive is to go full out.  Make big choices and live them out.  So I’ve started taking steps to live that way.  I started writing songs again.  And I’m posting them on YouTube.  Even though I don’t feel ready.  Here’s a link to the channel.

Since this is episode 101, I got thinking about the number 101. And you know how dangerous that is…

It really is all about the context.

What kind of craftsmanship could you develop if you had 12 years to learn from a master?  Amazing, that’s what.

Most of us don’t get that kind of mentoring.  College and on-the-job training don’t even begin to teach us what we need to know.  Since apprenticeship has all but died out everywhere except in the trades, what options do you have to learn not only the ropes of your chosen craft, but also the nuances?  Let’s evaluate them based on 3 criteria:

What are some options?

It turns out there are ways to be an apprentice in the modern era.  Find the one that’s right for you and try it.  Don’t be afraid to say it’s not working and try something.  Also, don’t expect it will be a silver bullet.  Building craftsmanship takes time and work.

If want to work with me, I’d love to help.  If you want to be better at the craft of expressing yourself, whether it’s using your voice, crafting a presentation, or telling your story on your website, I can help.  I have years of experience in software design, presentations to senior leaders, and performance. I can help you express yourself in a way that others will listen and take action.  Just fill out the short form below, and we’ll find a time to talk about whether working together is right for you.

Whatever you do, stay committed to building your craftsmanship.  What got you where you are won’t get you to the next step.  No matter how good you are now, can always get better.  That’s what makes it fun.  There’s always room for more.  Now go out there and build something.  Be an artisan.

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The post Episode 101: Building Craftsmanship – Be an Apprentice first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

This is a special episode.  Number 100.  So let’s celebrate!  Celebrate this milestone.  And even more important, celebrate you.  For showing up.  Investing in yourself.  Engaging with big questions, little questions, and in-between questions.  We’re not just celebrating today.  We’re also looking at three key principles we’ve explored together in these last 99 episodes.  And you know what?  We’ve only just begun.

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Feature Segment – We’ve Only Just Begun

Imagine a world where everyone believes they are created with love to create in love.  –Kathleen Thompson

We’ve explored a lot together in the 99 episodes before this one.  Big and small questions.  Questions like “Why am I here?”  “What’s so great about beans?”  or “How can I make great decisions?”

Today, we’ll focus on three themes that have come up again and again.  That are important enough to remind you (and me) of again today.

Imagine you’re God.  You’re the embodiment of love and creativity, and you haven’t created anything yet.  What would you make that shows your character?  You might just do what he did – make humans with the same ability and desire to create.  And that’s exactly what he did.  Creativity is built deep in your soul.

You can see it in children.  They say, “Here.  I made this.”

Then we grow older.  Things get in the way.  And yet, creating – being an Artisan – is where we find the most meaning.  When we create for and with one another.

Erwin McManus says this in his book, The Artisan Soul: “The most important work of art is the life that we create.”

Imagine right this minute – what could living an Artisan life look like for you?  In your family?  Work life?  Anything else you do?  Does it feel like freedom?  Joy?  Adventure?  A lot of work?  Yes. And.  That and more.  Living an Artisan life is worth it.

Sometimes part of us has to transform to become an Artisan.  Yet, transformation only happens when you set the intention.  And follow up that intention with purposeful action.

If you believe in your worth – believe you are called to be an Artisan and create art for others, it’s time to put your intention behind it.  And then take action.  Some to consider:

If you’ve been with me for any length of time, you’ve heard me talk about quite a few changes in 4 years.

During that time, I had four different managers, was in 3 different groups, and created 39 versions of the same presentation to convince senior management to invest in a $40M project.  Now I don’t have a manager at all.  Or, more correct, I’m my own manager.

I also got hit by a hit-and-run driver in a stolen car, so my car was totaled.  I celebrated 2 college graduations of my friend Ruth’s children, and 2 weddings of my friend Sarah’s children.  My mom had 2 hip replacements, and my sister shattered her ankle.

Yep.  Nothing stays the same.  Time keeps going and so does change.  It’s important to not only accept, but also embrace that change.  Say “Yes. And” as life throws curveballs.  Like – yes this happened.  And what can I learn from it?  What can I do now?

Remember it’s supposed to be this way.  Change.  Discomfort.  Challenge.  Even pain.  It’s how life works.

You have what it takes to make something beautiful.  We’ve only just begun, you and I.  Here’s to new beginnings.

What would you like to begin today?  Celebrate today?  Leave a comment.

Here’s to new beginnings.
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Pastors and Teachers:  Voiceology, by my voice coach, Roger Love.  Here’s a free video to get a preview.

The post Episode 100: We’ve Only Just Begun first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

As an Artisan, your tools are an important extension of your craft.  They enable you do perform your craft.  So it’s important to keep them in good working order.  On this episode, we focus on how to take care of your tools.  And that includes the most important tool – you!

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Rhythm of Life – My Voice Got Rusty

The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.  — Confucius

While I traveled to Ireland with my family, I didn’t do my voice exercises every day.  My voice got a bit rusty.

It’s going to take a bit of work to get the rust off so I can continue to improve.  It might even be a bit uncomfortable at first.

Is there anything you’ve let get a bit rusty?  Why not just start again today?  Be willing to feel uncomfortable – and even a bit rusty – in the beginning.  It’ll soon wear off.

Why not start today?  The sooner you start, te sooner  you’ll get to the fun part.

Ready?  Set?  Go!

I was organizing my Kindle while getting ready for my trip.  While doing so, I saw “Pride and Prejudice,” a Jane Austen novel.  As is the case with Amazon, they also showed me several other books in the category “People who liked this also bought that…”  And what was in that list?  Several books called “Pride and Prejudice Variations.”

There were so many it was like entering a whole new world.  One I didn’t even know existed.  Which got me wondering; “I wonder how many other alternate worlds exist besides this one?”

Which then got me thinking about the information we see on our phones.  We get customized news delivery based on what we’ve previously liked and clicked on.  We can end up living in a world where we hear and see only what reinforces what we already believe.

That may feel good, but it doesn’t build empathy or understand of others.  It doesn’t improve our relationships with people unlike us.  And it doesn’t lend itself to creativity.  That requires diversity of though and healthy conflict.

So remember that the next time you find yourself in an alternate reality that’s looking awfully familiar.  It might be time to jump through the looking glass to Wonderland.

I opened the case of my Ovation guitar.  The one I’d gotten as a college graduation present, it had sat in its case, ignored, for months.  And now I saw a huge crack running the entire length of the top.

If I was a professional musician, I’d play that guitar every day.  I’d make sure it was climate-controlled.  I’d take care of it.

And that’s what this episode is about.  Artisans take care of their tools.  Because to be at high level of craftsmanship, you need skill.  And maintaining that skill at the highest level requires high-quality tools in good working order.

Though the tools for each craft are different, there are 3 common principles for tool care that apply to all artisans.

Don’t re-purpose for something else.  It often doesn’t work, and can dull or break the tool. Not only that, but if you reserve your tools for use with your craft, your mind will automatically associate picking up the tool with starting work.  It’s easier and faster to get in the flow.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Rotation helps keeps tools fresh. Three ounces of maintenance are worth the same point of cure. All help to avoid repair or worse, the tools becoming unusable.

No matter how well you prevent, rotate and maintain, some repair will eventually be needed.  Make sure you have a true professional to do these repairs.  Whether it’s you or not.

Don’t forget!  The greatest tool you have is you.  Your body, mind, and heart.  It’s important to keep yourself tuned up.  You don’t want to end up with a huge crack in your system like I found in my Ovation guitar. Keeping yourself in tune will help keep you playing beautiful music for a long time to come.

What tools do you use for your craft?  How do you keep them in good shape?  Leave a comment.

As an Artisan, your tools are an extension of you. Take care of them as you would your art.
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090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work

The post Episode 099: Building Craftsmanship – Take Care of Your Tools first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

Building craftsmanship isn’t for the faint of heart.  It takes fortitude to keep working at your craft.  Especially when it gets hard or it’s not fun.  True craftspeople work commit to working through those hard times to get to the other side.  On this episode we talk about 3 actions you can take to help you stay committed.

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Rhythm of Life – Commitment Creates Happiness

Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s the determination and commitment to unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.  –Mario Andretti

Have you ever had 2 options of what to do on Saturday night?  You held off committing to one until the last minute?  Like Saturday morning?  And then you didn’t have that much fun?  Why not?  What can this teach us?

Dan Gilbert TED Talk – Surprising Science of Happiness

He and a team did a study at Harvard about choice and the ability to change one’s mind.  The results may surprise you.

It turns out that commitment to something makes us happier.  Listen to the segment to hear about the study and how you can apply its conclusions to your life.

A friend on Facebook wrote a post asking us to list songs with colors in the title.  It was interesting to see what people said.  Before listening to the episode, why not think of your own list?

Listen to the episode to hear the list of what my friends came up with.  As you would imagine, songs with blue in the title were the most numerous.  After all, it’s the most popular color by a large margin.

Then there were songs with two colors in the title.  There was one with three.  And another that had the word “color” in it.  Such a colorful variety.

The atmosphere was so tense you could feel it ready to explode.  6 bakers competing in the Great British Bake-off.  John was particularly intense.  He wanted to win this thing.  To prove to his parents that he should be a professional baker, instead of an attorney, like they want him to be.

He makes a pretty major mistake.  And the result tastes awful.  The judges spit it out of their mouths and ask for water.

How do you come back from that?  What do you do when your dream appears to be going out the window?  When you just can’t get past where you are?  Or you have to start over because you made a huge mistake?

What do you do then?

This is where commitment comes in.  The commitment you made to yourself and those whom you love or serve.

It may also be time to go back to following your curiosity and practice change to see what you can shake up.  But sometimes all it takes is time.

How can you stay committed through the hard times?  What can bring back the creative flow and joy of your work?

Actions:

Actions:

Actions:

Sometimes it’s necessary to make a change to see results.  The thing that got you here won’t get you there.  Sometimes you just need to persist.  Sometimes there are changes already happening you can’t see.

Where are you right now?  If you’re cruising, then take time to celebrate your wins.  Document them for when things aren’t so great.  Remember that this too shall pass.

If things aren’t going so great right now, don’t lose heart.  Believe it’s possible to move past it.  Then act on that belief.  Take some actions listed here.  Or, get in touch with me for coaching or just email.  There are links in the Coaching and Contact pages.

As we said in Episode 096, we don’t need more people who can simply follow directions or take orders.  We need artisans – those who willing to stand out and serve.  If you’re one, commit to commitment.

Wanna know what happened with John?  I tell you near the end of the segment.

So commit and take action.

You may not win a contest like Great British Bake-off, but you can win where it matters to you.

If you’d like to share your story of when you needed commitment and time to get through a difficult challenge, leave a comment.

What builds craftsmanship? Curiosity, change, and commitment.
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090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work

The post Episode 098: Building Craftsmanship – When It Gets Hard first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.