This weekend I met a guy – the boyfriend of my girlfriends’ girl friend. Don’t get lost in the relationship, because it’s not the point. As we were watching the LSU-Alabama football game at one of my favorite bars in one of my favorite towns, the guy impressed me in a big way.
He nonchalantly told me the story of his weekend prior. He took the weekend to completely tear his kitchen apart and rebuild the floor because it was rotting out underneath him. If you’re anything like me, then you’re impressed by the fact that a 25 year old with a full-time job replaced an entire floor structure in 48 hours.
Part of me was envious of his experience because there’s something about using my hands to make measurable progress that appeals to me in a big way. Here was a guy who was no older than me with no more “training” than me in the realm of building things. Yet he made the effort to find the right people to help him make the project happen and he got down and dirty for a weekend to accomplish something that needed to get done.
I have a huge amount of respect for that approach, and it’s something I want to do more of. Whether it’s learning to build cool things, becoming a real fly fisherman, or learning to edit video… I want to start tackling big learning opportunities with reckless abandon. That learning translates to results over time and I know it’s time t continue building my toolkit.
What’s a skill or hobby you want to learn more about? What’s the next step you can take to make it happen? Most importantly, what excuses will you use when the time comes to choose between building a floor or drinking a beer?
I don’t want to make excuses. I want to learn cool stuff. Period.
You could always build a floor and then enjoy a beer…
http://bit.ly/UcXZA9
Awesome pictures. You were literally playing in the dirt to get that thing rolling. Good work sir.
Enjoyed the article. I love the focus on learning rather than achieving. Learning about a hobby is a managable step.
Thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting! I love the learning process, and over time it can turn into results if we want it to. But it starts with learning. What’s a hobby you’ve been wanting to pick up?
I’m trying to figure that out. I want to find a goal oriented physical activity I love. I love travel and games, but trying to find ways to fit them in with children and limited time. Work in progress.