Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Quest For Pocket Change

     Here the problem as I see it. There are not enough hours in the day to really be successful at any business venture and still work a full-time job. I don't even have kids and I feel like I'm strapped for time.  Consequently my dream job remains a hobby.


     I have always been told that you never want to turn a hobby into a job. Eventually the joy that it once brought you is replaced by the same dread that you used to get working down at the Piggly Wiggly.

     I get it. I've even had it happen. Years ago I started a photography business and put all of my money, time and energy into making it fly. I actually did fairly well. However, I started to really hate it. What was once an enjoyable hobby became a job. To this day I refuse to do a single portrait. Not even for friends or family. Having to do photography everyday was like being forced to eat Lima beans. Lima beans really aren't all that bad but since I was forced to eat them as a kid I now have some very negative associations.

     The thing is, I hate punching a clock more than I hated photography. Now, I can't afford to re-purchase all of my photography equipment and dive back in. Even if I could I probably wouldn't. I'm a relativity talented guy and I have at my disposal any number of skills that I might turn into a profitable business. Currently the skill I have decided to focus on is my wood working. Wood working is a great way to make money if you have the time to dedicate to building.



     When I first started wood working I wanted, more than anything to make money. Wouldn't that be cool? Do what you love and get paid for it. I think this is the heart cry of almost every artist I know.

     Unfortunately I am a very impatient person. In my head I want to start and finish a project in the same day. As a matter of fact if I don't start and finish in the same day, the odds of  finishing at all are greatly diminished. I could work on a project a little at a time and -have it done in a few days, right? Somehow I can never muster the will to do things that way.


     So what's an ADHD  woodworker to do? Believe it or not, the answer is customer accountability. When I take an order for a custom table I feel compelled to complete the table. It invariably happens that I do not have time in one evening to finish the project and so I pick up my hammer night after night until the table is built.



     Is it really any different in the rest of our lives? When do we lose weight the fastest and keep it off consistently?  When do we do our very best at our day jobs? What about marriage and fidelity? I'll tell you when. When we have someone holding our feet to the fire. Whether it's your running buddy, your boss or that friend who isn't afraid to call you on your crap, accountability is the key to much of our success in this life. Business is no different.

     A wise man once told me. "If your going to do something well, you have to do it every day." Don't get discouraged when it seems like your never going to be able pitch the day job in favor of your dream job. Dial back your personal expectations.Set aside time every night to chip away at each project until it gets done. Eventually you will get there.