I wrote something controversial on social media:
“How you do one thing is how you do everything.”
It generated great conversation, with some vehemently disagreeing and others agreeing. One of my greatest pet peeves is when people do things half-assed. I believe it’s important to be consistent in your approach to all tasks, big or small. I have been known to remake the bed after my spouse makes it. I like to walk around the bed to make sure it’s all even. I have been called a psychopath by those who love me. I believe that if you approach every task with the same level of dedication and attention to detail, it fosters habits that lead to excellence. Over time, this consistency contributes to mastery in whatever you do.
Your work is a reflection of who you are, so if you develop the habit of doing even the smallest tasks with care and precision, this approach will naturally extend to more significant and complex tasks.
Those in opposition to my argument rebutted that different tasks require different levels of effort and attention. Prioritizing is essential, and sometimes it’s pragmatic to allocate less time and effort to less critical tasks. No one will see your bed and you’ve just wasted precious time straightening the edges when your time would be better spent elsewhere. The counter-argument is that we have to let go of perfectionism in less critical areas to maintain focus and energy for areas that matter most.
That’s fair. I might by a psychopath.
But hear me out. I’ve concluded that humans naturally tend to take the path of least resistance when left to their own devices. If we aren’t conscious of it, laziness and apathy can become the norm. This is why diligence and effort must be constantly reinforced.
This idea is beautifully illustrated in the construction of timepieces. You likely haven’t given this much thought in the era of smart watches that are essentially computers on your wrist. In the early days of watchmaking, individual masters created one-of-a-kind works of art for royalty. These watchmakers were artisans who spent many months crafting a single timepiece, transforming it into a precise mechanical masterpiece and a thing of beauty. The inner mechanisms of these timepieces were rarely seen by anyone, but that didn’t matter to the artisans. They still took great care to ensure that each piece was beautifully designed and hand-crafted to perfection.
Today, many individuals in various trades operate under that same philosophy. Those who take the time to perfect their work for the sake of pride are today’s master artisans. I fear we have lost the concept of craftsmanship. By that, I mean the diligence and effort that go into work that leaves the creator’s spirits lifted. It’s the feeling you get when you stand back, assess your efforts, and feel proud and inspired by the product. You don’t have to handcraft timepieces to be considered a craftsman. You simply have to put your skill and mastery into whatever you do.
Craftsmanship is not just about physical constructs. Consider the dedication of chefs in the culinary world. A chef who meticulously plans and prepares each dish is practicing the art of craftsmanship. Every meal is an opportunity to showcase their skill, creativity, and passion. From selecting the finest ingredients to the precise execution of cooking techniques, a true chef is dedicated to excellence. Even in the bustling chaos of a busy kitchen, the chef who takes care to present each dish beautifully, ensuring flavors are balanced and textures are perfect, exemplifies craftsmanship. This attention to detail and pride in their work is what sets apart an average meal from an unforgettable dining experience.
Giving your best in all that you do can become tiresome. I’ve seen people lose their motivation to work at their highest potential because they felt their effort was futile or unrecognized. There is certainly something to be said for losing inspiration and motivation because of a shattered spirit. We can all point to something unfair or unjust at some point in our lives and easily use that as an excuse to stop giving our best. I’ve watched many artisans in their trade give up because they felt underappreciated.
Those who have mastered craftsmanship understand that the motivation to give their absolute best comes not from external praise or recognition but from intrinsic motivation and a realization of purpose. A chef who cooks merely to receive accolades will quickly become frustrated by elements beyond their control. In contrast, the chef who understands that their job is to create a memorable dining experience has a purpose bigger than themselves. They recognize that each dish they prepare, no matter how simple or complex, is their contribution to the joy and satisfaction of their patrons.
This idea resonates deeply with the teachings in Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, “The Four Agreements.” One of the agreements is to “always do your best.” Ruiz emphasizes that your best will vary from moment to moment, depending on various factors like health and circumstances. But regardless of these variables, the effort should always be the best you can give at that time. This agreement aligns perfectly with the concept of craftsmanship. It’s about consistently putting forth your best effort, knowing that it may not always be perfect, but it will be a true reflection of your commitment and integrity.
No matter what your life’s work entails, a true artisan will not let outside influences dictate the quality of their work. The pride that comes with giving the best you have to offer in all circumstances is what craftsmanship is all about. This principle is crucial in a world that often prioritizes speed and efficiency over quality and precision. The lost art of service and craftsmanship is not just about creating a superior product but about the pride and fulfillment that come from knowing you’ve given your best.
The lost art of craftsmanship can be seen in various aspects of life and work today. Take, for example, the dedication of healthcare workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors, nurses, and support staff displayed extraordinary craftsmanship in their relentless commitment to patient care. They worked long hours under challenging conditions, often putting their health at risk. Their craftsmanship was not just in their medical expertise but in their unwavering dedication to each patient’s well-being.
Educators, too, are modern-day craftsmen and craftswomen. A teacher who goes beyond the curriculum to inspire and engage students is practicing the art of craftsmanship. They invest time in creating lesson plans that spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking. They see their students not just as learners but as individuals with unique potential. The effort they put into teaching can have a profound impact on the lives of their students, shaping their futures in meaningful ways.
In the corporate world, leaders who embody craftsmanship are those who invest in their teams, prioritize quality over quantity, and foster a culture of excellence. These leaders understand that true success comes from meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement. They recognize that their legacy will be defined by the quality of their work and the impact they have on others.
Craftsmanship also extends to personal development. Individuals who strive to improve themselves, whether through education, skill development, or personal growth, are practicing craftsmanship. They understand that the journey to mastery is ongoing and that each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to their dedication.
The intrinsic motivation that drives true craftsmanship is something we should all aspire to cultivate. It’s about finding purpose and meaning in what we do, regardless of external recognition or reward. When we focus on doing our best for the sake of personal pride and fulfillment, we elevate our work and ourselves.
As I reflect on the concept of craftsmanship, I am reminded of the importance of instilling these values in the next generation. Teaching children the value of diligence, effort, and pride in their work is essential. It’s about helping them understand that their actions and the quality of their work reflect who they are. By nurturing a sense of craftsmanship in them, we can inspire a future generation that values quality, integrity, and excellence.
Craftsmanship is not a relic of the past but a timeless principle that can and should be applied to all areas of life. Whether we are crafting a physical object, providing a service, or working on personal growth, the commitment to doing our best is what defines us as true artisans.
I hope you strive to revive the lost art of craftsmanship in your daily life by taking pride in your work and inspiring others to do the same.
