Woodworking Discouragement Is Normal—Here’s How to Overcome It

Article - July 17, 2015

I occasionally receive emails from woodworkers who feel discouraged and need a pep talk. Recently, local woodworker Keith sent me this message:

“Just watched your video on your outdoor sitting bench. You make everything look so damn easy. I am in awe of how everything you touch comes out so perfect. What you do is a piece of art that some of us strive for but will never attain. Thank you for showcasing your talent. The only problem someone like myself has is I won’t do anything that you have done, because when it doesn’t look like yours, I feel I have failed. That is another reason I won’t be nearly as good. You have to practice to be good and I expect perfection because I see you make it look so easy. Still enjoy watching you work. Your neighbor, Keith.”

First off, Keith, I appreciate the kind words. But I have to set the record straight—this mentality is something I see a lot, and it’s the wrong way to look at your woodworking journey.

If you’ve ever felt this way, keep reading. Woodworking Discouragement Is Normal—Here’s How to Overcome It

Why You Should Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Woodworkers

Look, I get it. You watch skilled woodworkers build flawless dovetails, execute seamless glue-ups, and produce furniture that looks like it belongs in a museum. And then you step into your shop, make a mis-cut on your first board, and suddenly feel like you’ll never measure up.

But let’s pause and look at this fairly.

Keith is comparing his work to mine, but is that a reasonable comparison? Let’s break it down:

I’ve been woodworking for 20 years. That’s two decades of mistakes, lessons, and experience.
For the last 10+ years, I’ve taught woodworking full-time. When you teach, you refine your fundamentals a lot.
Woodworking is my job. I’ve invested in tools, a shop space, and endless hours improving my craft.

Most people reading this don’t have that same setup—and that’s okay. You might have a full-time job, a family, and only a few hours a week to dedicate to woodworking. Your path is different from mine, but it’s just as valid.

Your goal isn’t to be me. It’s to be your personal best.

Stop Aiming for Perfect—Aim for Progress

Keith used the word perfect in his message. Here’s the truth: my work is not perfect.

If you look closely at my projects, you’ll find small gaps, tiny tear-out spots, or finishing flaws. And if you compare me to other woodworkers, there are plenty who make me look like a beginner.

But I don’t let that discourage me. Instead, I use it as motivation.

Back in the early 2000s, I’d sit in my garage, looking at photos of dream woodworking shops, thinking:

👉 “That’s impressive. I’d love to have a shop like that. What steps can I take today to get there?”

Ten years later, I built my dream shop. Not overnight. Not in a year. A decade of small steps.

And that’s the mindset you need to adopt when looking at other woodworkers’ skills. Instead of thinking, “I’ll never be that good,” ask yourself:

What skills do they have that I can develop?
What steps can I take today to improve my woodworking?
How can I apply what I’m learning to my next project?

Practical Tips to Improve Your Woodworking Skills

If you’re feeling discouraged, here are some real ways to turn that frustration into progress:

1. Analyze Your Mistakes

At the end of every project, take 10 minutes to evaluate it. Ask yourself:

What do I like about it?
What flaws stand out?
At what stage did those mistakes happen?

If you can pinpoint when an issue occurred, you can prevent it next time.

2. Learn the Right Fix

Most woodworking mistakes have simple solutions. For example:

Tear-out on cross-cuts? Use a zero-clearance insert and a sacrificial fence.
Glue squeeze-out ruining your finish? Apply masking tape before gluing or learning when/how to clean it up.
Dovetails too loose? Warm up with practice cuts and refine your chisel work.

Half the battle is spotting the issue. The other half is learning how to fix it.

3. Recognize When It’s Laziness, Not a Lack of Skill

Be honest—how many times have you rushed a cut or skipped a step because you were impatient?

Many woodworking mistakes aren’t due to a lack of knowledge. They happen because we take shortcuts or get lazy. Commit to doing things right, even when it takes longer.

4. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Instead of saying, “I want to build a perfect chair,” break it down:

✅ Learn and practice mortise and tenon joinery.
✅ Build a simple stool first.
✅ Improve sanding and finishing techniques.
✅ Then, move on to a full chair.

This keeps your progress manageable and your confidence high.

Final Pep Talk: Run Your Own Race

Woodworking isn’t a competition. You’re not here to beat anyone else. Your only goal is to be better than you were yesterday.

If you’re struggling with self-doubt:

Stop comparing your work to professionals. They’ve put in years of practice.
Focus on your personal improvement. Set realistic goals and track progress.
Be patient. Skill-building takes time.
Enjoy the process. Woodworking should be fun, not stressful.

Instead of daydreaming about being better, take an action today that gets you one step closer.

Because before you know it, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come. And ironically, you won’t care about your place in the “hierarchy” anymore—because you’ll just be having fun, making things you love.

So, what’s one woodworking skill you’re working on right now? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it!

Ready to super-charge your woodworking education? Check out our extensive woodworking courses in The Wood Whisperer Guild!

Discussion

Chris July 17, 2015 9:34 am

Great post Marc.

I don’t think my projects will come out as quality as yours, but yours are the standard that I hope to achieve, if that makes any sense.

I see what I could make, construct my own project, and reflect on what I did differently or what I can do to improve (tried hard not to say “what I did wrong”) to try and step a specific part of the project up to the level that you are showing.

So, its great to have a standard of quality to aim for, knowing that you will probably never achieve it, because at that point, you have nowhere to improve. I am always cognizant of what I am not good at, and work hard to better myself there.

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Cliff Chambers July 17, 2015 9:38 am

Marc-

Nice pep talk there. I’m often in need of a similar peptalk as well. I keep a loop of all the mistakes you do (good to hear right?) and the ones you, Matt and Shannon talk about as well as the guys from Fine Woodworking Live. It’s so helpful to know that all of you made similar mistakes, or still make them here and there.

I’ve been going at this for about 5-6 months. When I think back to the first week where I couldn’t countersink, saw a straight line, couldn’t figure out how to put a screw through a 2×4 – and my stupidest one – doing a rip cut on a table saw with no fence, no riving knife, no guard, no splitter.. I realize that progress comes in excrutiatingly small steps but you look back and it’s monumental.

The key for me has been to quit for the day when I realize I’m super discouraged and just ready to never woodwork again. Then the next day (or days later if it takes me multiple days to figure out how to fix something) get back in there. Nothing good ever comes easily to about 95% of us. Unless you are Mozart of woodworking, this is the path you are on and can take solace that everyone before you went the same way.

Also, the woodtalkonline.com forums are awful helpful for having a chat with like-minded folks.

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Brad July 17, 2015 9:50 am

Maybe you should film me making a project. That would make everyone else feel good about their work :)

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- Dema g July 17, 2015 10:06 am
  
  Lol
  
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  - Rob Hartley July 17, 2015 11:43 am
    
    awesome! ha ha
    
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- Marc Spagnuolo July 17, 2015 10:18 am
  
  ha!
  
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Howard Springsteen July 17, 2015 9:50 am

Marc,

I really appreciate this post. I have improved my woodworking a lot in the last year, and have a decent idea of how far I still want to improve. While reading your post I realized that most of my mistakes are from me moving fast, trying to “get this project done”. I think I need a sign that is visible everywhere in my shop that says “slow down and enjoy the process”.

Thanks.

Howard Springsteen

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- gareth July 17, 2015 12:42 pm
  
  Well put. Are you my long lost twin hahaha. My thoughts exactly
  
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- Bob Waxler July 20, 2015 5:35 am
  
  Amen, Howard. When you have one that actually works, make another for me. I am already paying dearly, you can charge me what you want.
  
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Toby Wollin July 17, 2015 9:54 am

Marc – I’d like to add something else: Sometimes it’s worth sitting down with yourself and asking this question about what you are doing: “What actually is wrong with this? What did I do that made things come out not the way I wanted them to?” Sometimes, it’s basic stuff like not slowing down when we measure. At other times, it’s just that it’s the first time we’ve done something and perhaps taking a couple of practices on scrap would have changed things. Last year, I took a couple of classes – a basic carpentry class and a basic woodworking class with Jeff Lohr. Both of these classes were meant to do one thing: take away my fear of using power tools (yeah, I know, but I sort of enjoy having all ten digits). I ended up with a set of saw horses and a red oak console table that I am pretty proud of. But I learned something really valuable – my level of anxiety is such that I really learn best when I have someone nearby who’s available when I start to have a melt-down. Some people can learn from books or videos; I’m not one of them. But taking those two classes were enough to help me to on to the next step. I’ll probably take more woodworking classes after I’ve done some more furniture in the garage and asked myself the next question that I think is important, which is: “What is the one skill that I need to improve to take what I’m making to the next level and how/where am I going to learn that?” The other thing is this – I didn’t get into woodworking to make a specific thing that’s already been made by a specific person. Reproducing what you do would be impossible for me – but I did want to learn some skills so that I can make some furniture that looks reasonably attractive, holds together well and that someone else in the family is going to want when I pass on. I also want to enjoy myself while I’m doing it because the process should be something enjoyable as well as challenging.

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- Dave Morgan July 24, 2015 6:00 am
  
  I learned my love of woodworking in high school and slowly expanded my practice of it over the years. Two of the biggest factors for my success have been to first decide what type of woodworking I really enjoy and focus on that, and second is to join a local club that will help hone my skills and experience. In the beginning I just tried my hand at anything. I had a skill saw screwed to the underside of a 2’x3′ board and used a 2″x3″ and two clamps as a fence for my first “table saw”!
  It was 18 years ago that I first started turning, and shortly after joined a Woodturners Club affiliated with AAW. The club taught me the second value- watch others demonstrate a project and then go try it myself. Eventually I was the one doing the demos and passing on the skills and experiences to the next generation!
  I still get discouraged every time I get my new AAW magazine in the mail, but Marc’ pep talk really helps; it’s something I need to hear again and again. But I’m moving forward and enjoying the time I do get to spend with my hobby (I work a full time job an hour away from home).
  Thank you Marc, keep up the good work! And always think Safety First!!
  
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Ken Cooper July 17, 2015 9:55 am

Marc, I bet there are many Keith’s out there. I know for a fact, that I’m one of them. Several months ago, you introduced the “Contemplation Bench” to us guild members. Three pieces of lumber is about as simple as you can get, but yet, after watching your videos, I thought there’s no way I can do that because I had never used any of the sculpturing/carving tools and it was very intimidating. But I kept looking at these chunks of cherry in my shop and decided to go for it. After watching your video countless times, I came up with a bench that I was proud to display. Now, if I put it next to yours when showing folks, then my smile probably wouldn’t be as big, but by putting it next to some of my earlier builds, I can certainly see where my woodworking has improved.
Hey, thanks for the pep talks!!

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- Keith July 17, 2015 10:21 am
  
  This is KEITH, this for sure the approach I need to take. Don’t ever set a project next to a professionals!!! I have many projects around the house I designed and built that I am proud of, but if I asked Marc to build one and set it beside mine it may change my opinion of my own. That’s where I have to remember I was once proud of my own and why should that change because somebody is better then me. Thank you for that response, it hit home.
  
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  - Michael July 17, 2015 10:51 am
    
    Keith, I think this is something that applies to all creatives. I look at the stuff I made when I was just getting into woodworking, and I sometimes have to convince myself to not throw them away. I look at it and think “I can’t believe I made that mistake,” “I can’t believe I used Elmer’s filler on that surface,” “look at those gaps!”
    
    I posted this to the Facebook page, but wanted to make sure you saw it. I’m a photographer for my day job, and this video kind of went viral in the photo community when it came out. I know woodworking and photography are vastly different, but they’re both creative endeavors, and I think it has some resonance to anybody who is a creative.
    
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KZYlQ4Wv8lE
    
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Dema g July 17, 2015 10:02 am

Thanks for this Marc

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Daryl July 17, 2015 10:11 am

Great advice Marc. What I always remember is that on average it takes roughly 10,000 hours to become an expert at anything. That’s 3 1/2 years of full time work! And with woodworking there are so many skill sets to master, so becoming an master of woodworking takes a lifetime.

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Phil July 17, 2015 10:19 am

Excellent advice. I’ve found that it’s ok to ask how a fellow woodworker pulled off some feature that consistently gives you trouble; often the answer is simple (for example, I marveled at how crisp and straight every component of a woodworker’s project was; when I asked him, he explained that gluing sandpaper to MDF blocks and trimming it flush with the block made the difference for him. I tried it and it took my work to a new level.).

I encourage conversation as a great way to improve your skills. I’ve never met a woodworker who wouldn’t share their methods and tricks.

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Gerard W July 17, 2015 10:20 am

Thanks Marc! It’s a great message.

The part about laziness vs honest mistakes really resonates with me. Because I have so little shop time (as you mentioned, nights and weekends when not doing things with family) I know that I have a tendency to rush through things. One of the things I appreciate the most about your work is that watching you work encourages me to slow down and enjoy the journey; to take the time to do things slowly, accurately, and correctly. Ultimately I enjoy my time in the shop, and it just so happens that a nice byproduct of that is often a piece of furniture. When I’m getting burnt out on an operation and feel the desire to just rush through to be done with it, I have recently started to try to find something else to take the monotony out of it. Picking up tools or switching over to a smaller or shop project often helps me get back in the right frame of mind.

Keep up the good work sir!

-G

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Tom Pritchard July 17, 2015 10:30 am

Great come back Marc. I too am impressed with your skills and shop. I have found for me that I have developed my own ways of making the things I can. From watching all the different video’s out there, I see every type of woodworker skill levels. From my point of view, I see some of those seem to equal me and some that don’t. Most of the time they exceed my skills but for me I’m happy and satisfied with where I’m at, except I would like to have a nicer shop.

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Christopher Allen July 17, 2015 10:36 am

I went to school to study music, and my concentration was percussion. I used to get really down on myself when I’d see other drummers who could outplay me and my mentor gave me this quote that helped out a lot…”the forest would be a pretty quiet place if only the birds with the prettiest songs were singing”
I apply that logic when I watch Marc’s, or Matt Cremona’s, or any other fantastic craftsman’s work online.

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- Marc Spagnuolo July 17, 2015 10:39 am
  
  In the world of percussion, I’m barely worthy of setting up a good drummer’s kit. :) But that doesn’t stop me from making noise!
  
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Matt M July 17, 2015 10:44 am

Marc,

I’ve been watching your videos since 2007. You actually taught me all of the basics, and I picked up all of my first shop tools based on your informational videos. Ever since that time, I’ve had the same feelings of envy on occasion. My projects are never good enough, I don’t have the right tools, and my shop is too small. I’ve drooled over the Festool stuff since you acquired it. But I also remember a video from 2008 or so when you mentioned in one of your safety videos about the first time you used a router table – placing the piece between the fence and the bit. We all have to start somewhere.

I’ve also often been envious of your project results, but never really considered the amount of time you spend at woodworking compared to the rest of us. Thanks for the wake-up smack in the head.

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Jason D July 17, 2015 10:59 am

Great post Marc… You’re a great woodworker, but more than that, you’re an amazing teacher, communicator and motivator. In every video, wood talk episode, or article (and in your book), you’ve managed to inspire me to look beyond my many self imposed limitations and not so perfect results, and to keep moving forward and improving. Thank you for that!

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Tom C July 17, 2015 11:00 am

This is spot on. I’m a hobbyist, and I probably always will be. I struggle with most finishes, mainly because I haven’t wrapped my brain around that portion of the project between the steps needed and the amount of patience to really get there.

That being said, I’ve learned a bunch watching your channel, among other videos, books, etc. More importantly, I learned process. I used to jump around during projects and couldn’t stay focused on one task, and the second something became more difficult I would jump back to easier things. With the right tools, some patience and a little bit of courage to step outside your comfort zone you can tackle things you didn’t think you could. When you do, you wanna keep doing it and show all your friends who generally don’t give a damn.

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Doug Menning July 17, 2015 11:11 am

About 0.6% of people that play baseball in highschool become paid professionals. Most of them have trained since early childhood. Many of them are really good from all that experience, the rest play for the Minnesota Twins. Sadly, those that don’t go pro often hang up their cleats. Woodworking offers everone lifelong opportunity to train improve and often excel. I tend to look at my woodworking much as Marc does. I have a skill level that is uniquely mine and that is a direct result of my efforts. The only just and fair judgement of my work is my previous efforts. When I do poorly I usually know why…thats 12 years of professional homebuilding and remodelling and woodworking off and on since 7th grade. When I fully embrace all the multitude of processes that result in a well executed project I know it took everthing in that learning span to execute flawlessly. …. my work is NEVER flawless. Enjoy your every improvement! Study every mistake and strive not to repeat them! Find out how to repair/fix your missteps. Marc is soooo right your woodworking should be a journey of discovering and honing your current abilities to make that next project something to be a little more satisfied with than the last, and the next project may be your game winning homerun.

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Jerry Junkins July 17, 2015 11:34 am

Great speech. Very inspirational. Keep up the good work.

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Rob Hartley July 17, 2015 11:42 am

Thanks for the great post Marc.

I have found that my project have improved as the years have gone on. By no means am i at the skill level i would like to be in in 30 years time, but hey, that what the next 30 years and more are for. What i get from yours and other videos and projects is skill sets and inspiration. i rarely make the project from the guild but i watch the videos and use the knowledge gathered to improve my skills on project that i have to get done “honey do list”.

An interesting pointy that Howard made is the desire/need to rush. As a weekend/weeknight woodworker i am totally in that mindset. i have a certain weekend that i have to get drawers done… unfortunately , with that mindset always come my mistakes. i dont know how to get around this as i have only a certain amount of time an it becomes a “better have something functional than an unfinished job”. i think it helps to just accept that and know that you are still slowly progressing, often without even knowing it. So, ‘sit at your computer’ i say and absorb the info, it will start to show in your work!

Cheers

Rob

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Harvey wells July 17, 2015 12:11 pm

Here, Here Marc. As you stated, there is ALWAYS someone out there better than yourself and this hobby is not a competition. Keith just needs to remember that the only person Keith should be in competition with is Keith. As we spend more time building things, we get better. Nothing worth while comes easy or on the first, second or even third try, at least not for me. Woodworking is nothing more than a problem and a puzzle waiting to be analyzed and solved. Only with time and experience can one get better. Your videos are great inspiration and motivation to, as you say, to get out there and make something, anything. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK

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Eric Meier July 17, 2015 12:18 pm

I feel like online woodworkers in general also tend to only show the good and successful. In just about every project, I make at least one mistake or have some slip up (and the challenge is learning how to overcome these mistakes creatively and constructively). Rarely do I think “sweet, I should definitely take a video/picture of how I’ve accidentally glued this hinge shut with thin CA glue” or “I can’t wait to post pics of these stripped out brass screws!” Generally, sort of like models on covers of magazines, online readers don’t really get the true and full story, but an idealized version. I know that’s often the case for the stuff I put online anyway.

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John Romeo July 17, 2015 12:19 pm

As I began Woodworking late in life 55 after a very high level of success as a Master plumber , I was knock ed on my ass by the learning curve WW offered I stopped , and reminded my self of my long and very hard plumbing apprenticeship , lol Enjoy this great hobby and the people like Marc and you always Win .

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Justin Kirk July 17, 2015 12:23 pm

AMEN!

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Eric Lagally July 17, 2015 12:26 pm

Comparison is the thief of joy. – Theodore Roosevelt

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- Wayno1 July 17, 2015 2:49 pm
  
  That sums it up totally.
  I really enjoy this “Hobby”. It’s a passion, an outlet for a part of my life that “Rounds” me as a person. I was in my shop recently working on a project, had just finished a task and was turning to grab another tool and inside my head I said” Man I love this”
  Most people go thru life and never find what we have as woodworkers.
  Just enjoy the process, take your time and always stay open to learning. There will always be someone better than you. Strive to do your best, practice techniqes that give you challenges , but most importantly…Have Fun
  
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Ron R July 17, 2015 12:46 pm

I usually just lurk on your site and very seldom make a comment. I had to thank you for this article though. It is a great reminder that we all start somewhere and can attain the things we want to with a plan and determination.

I turn a pretty good pen but really want to build furniture someday. My hope is that I will be there at some point.

Thanks again for the thoughtful motivation.

-Ron

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Reggie Taylor July 17, 2015 2:29 pm

I know i have been there seversl times and Keith is not alone feeling this way. I have to step back and take a look at where i am at in my woodworking skills now compared to when i started. Marc, your right about we should look at how to improve our skills and make them better. I know i am my own worst critic when it comes to my work. I have learned to do some research on how to improve my skills and learn to laugh at myself some tines. I love this pep talk which we all need from time to time. I am going print this off and post it my shop to remind me what i love about woodworking.

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Richard Blair July 17, 2015 2:54 pm

Sounds like someone is beating themselves up a little. I’ll say this. Knowing yourself is what keeps go going and makes you better. I used to think the same way. A matter of fact I have had that exact same thought. What I discovered is that it was part of my own character traits that was holding me back. You have to identify what that trait is, figure out why it is not constructive and change it. Another thing that I figured out is that you have to enjoy the process. I wanted to get my projects done as fast as I possibly could. I have learned to SLOW DOWN. Enjoy how your favorite saw feel in your hand. The sound of your hand plane, the texture of the material. Once I learned to find my zen state of mind, I immediately jumped a huge hurdle. My work improved drastically just by changing the way I think about it. My project is now my baby. I intimately get to know it. From its rough form alway to my finished project. It’s a beautiful thing when you are in the right state of mind.

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Chris Levno July 17, 2015 3:25 pm

I have found that almost all of my mistakes are a result of my laziness. When I started my career as a mechanic at a paper mill in 1975 there was a poster on the shop wall that I can still see today when I think about it. It reads:

If you don’t have time to do it right now. What makes you think you will have time to do it over.

I remember this poster almost every day and I still take shortcuts that result in errors. Some can be covered up. Others have to be redone. Most of the would have been finished sooner if I had taken the time to do it right the first time.

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Bryan E Schwab July 17, 2015 5:18 pm

Great words Marc! I have always admired woodworkers and now that I am retired to aspire to be something of a woodworker. I am not fooling myself into thinking just because working with wood is in my blood ( My Grandfather was a German cabinet worker, who left me many of his cherished tools) that I can simply see it, plan it and do it! Oh Hell No! I stumble and forget to many times the basic simple rule to measure twice and cut once! But never the less it is fun and keeps me out of trouble and the few pieces of basic furniture I have made, and the several cutting boards and keepsake boxes are basic enough to keep me going towards learning more and more about this addictive hobby. Someday isn’t tomorrow but tomorrow keeps getting closer and closer and from great folks like you from your videos and blogs I can only aspire to be someone better than i am today. Appreciate your efforts and the work you do that gives me and others inspiration!!

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Paul z July 17, 2015 6:41 pm

Marc
My philosophy is that every project and every mistake is one step closer to perfection…no one achieves that, but we should at least try. I like to make lots of projects with each technique so I can get the mistakes done and over with.
Thanks for continuing inspiring and teaching

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Stephen Barone July 17, 2015 6:52 pm

Great post, Very timely. Excellent comments as well.

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Andy Cignoni July 17, 2015 7:04 pm

That was just beautiful! I’ve been following your website and podcast for six years and haven’t build a single project. Each time I listen to the podcast or watch one of your videos I feel like I’m hanging out with a buddy. For me, right now, until life allows, my projects will be there waiting for me and because of you I will have a huge headstart. Thanks for all you do.

Your buddy Andy

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Ron July 17, 2015 10:29 pm

I’ve felt that way before. I’ve admired other people’s work and thought wow some day..
At the same time I’ve had people ask me if they can use the design of one of my projects so they could build it.

The stuff I admire is real nice lines sophisticated type furniture. Yet what I build and really enjoy building is simple country type furniture .

I do really like shaker style furniture. I’ve bought books etc on shaker plans design etc.
I still need to learn how to make hand cut dovetails and I’ve been woodworking for 20 years . So I’m going to sign up for a class to learn it.

But that’s it isn’t it. Interest , learning, and putting what we’ve learned into practice.

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Ted July 18, 2015 5:16 am

There is a fortunate and unfortunate side to online video and television of woodworking or home improvement projects. The fortunate is you get to see some fantastic work and learn a lot.

The unfortunate is that your expectations are driven by what you have seen in a time compressed, edited video environment. Good work takes time and video can make you think that “you aren’t worthy” when your stuff doesn’t turn out like the folks appearing before our eyes.

Enjoy the ride, learn as you go and justify getting new toy’s, er, I mean tools as you go.

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- Marc Spagnuolo July 18, 2015 9:24 am
  
  Hopefully people notice how many times my shirt changes in any particular build. :)
  
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Dan Murphy July 18, 2015 5:54 am

Marc,
Thanks for this post. I was just like Keith until recently. I’d even sit and stare at a project for weeks because I was too afraid it wouldn’t turn out good enough.

I discovered tho’ that each project I tried was actually better than the one before. Maybe only slightly, but still better. As an example, I watched some videos on hand cut dovetails by Paul Sellers. Just like you, he made it look so easy. I have an old open frame workbench in my shop and decided to make some drawers for it. I used dovetails for the joinery. You can definitely see the difference between the first and last drawer. In fact you can see a steady progression in all six drawers. Seeing myself improve with each new project and skill has been such an ego-boost! Now, I don’t sit and worry about how bad a project may turn out. I go after it eagerly because I know it will be better than the last one. My enjoyment of woodworking has shot through the roof over the last couple of years as a result.

Thanks for all the inspiration.

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Tom July 18, 2015 7:21 am

Woodworking is like any other skill……. it takes time and is hard work. As a kid learned to play the piano. I wanted to play the way others did, but knew it was going to be a long road and take continued work. Starting woodworking later in live (55), I’m taking the same approach. Just like learning an easy song on the piano, I knocked out a set of Corn Hole game boards and am very happy with what I did. I also know I can make them better and learned from several mistakes, that no one will notice as they launch their corn bag…… enjoy it. Make what makes you happy.

Thanks for the the post Marc! Right on the money again, as usual.

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Brian Shannon July 18, 2015 2:09 pm

This post reminds me of Ira Glass talking about this feeling:

https://vimeo.com/24715531

He talks about the gap between your ability and your taste. Just the fact that you can see the mistakes and the bother you means you care about the work and have good enough taste to take it to the next level. And how do you do that? Time doing the work. No tricks, just time in the chair, in the shop, whatever.

Thanks Marc for your inspiration!

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Mack D. July 19, 2015 12:52 am

Marc, wonderful pep talk. I know it means a lot to those of us that still struggle but keep on keep’n on. You are an inspiration to so many. Keep up the good works.

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Brian Brazil July 19, 2015 4:50 am

Another thing to remember is that when you see something in a magazine or video, you’re usually seeing it in the best possible way. Magazines, for example, don’t just snap a few random photos, they take care to choose the corner with the tightest dovetails and the angle that makes everything look perfect.

It’s also a lot easier to notice your own mistakes than the mistakes of others. While you may be in awe of something a craftsman like Marc built, I bet he could point out a half-dozen things that didn’t go the way he planned.

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Mark Riendeau July 19, 2015 2:23 pm

“And if we’re being completely honest with ourselves, most imperfections are a result of laziness, not just honest blunders.”

Well said Marc

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Darrell Veitch July 19, 2015 3:37 pm

This pep talk came just at the right time. I have a project that has been dogging me for the better part of nine months. It seemed that every time I would complete a step, something would go wrong. Usually it was an error on my part; misreading the directions, rushing a step, not paying attention to detail. I was ready to just burn the whole thing except- it was supposed to be a gift to my granddaughter. The weekend 3 things happened. 1) I read this pep talk post. It helped me see things in a different light, and to reevaluate my abilities, expectations, and limitations. 2) I watched the entire chest of drawers DVD series. Watching Marc forget the back panel helped me to see that we are all prone to mistakes, and when he built the drawers, an idea was born on how to fix my project. 3) I watched The Minion Movie today. While funny, it drove home the point of: never give up.

For the first time in months, I am looking forward to working on this project, applying the fixes that were inspired through Marc’s videos, completing it and giving it to my granddaughter. Woodworking has become fun again. Marc, I thank you.

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Gary Bell July 19, 2015 6:58 pm

So many have already said, Wood working is a hobby. It is an art form. It is for some a business. And for all of us it is a passion.
But with all of us there is a learning curve.
For instance, I started when I was 5. I did not learn to satisfactorily express my self in wood until I was 50.. All along the way learning. And still learning at 63. Learn from the masters. Krenov. David Marks, to name a few. Yes and Marc too.
Cut yourself some slack. Take time to enjoy the ride. Mistakes give us a chance to laugh at ourselves.

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Doug July 20, 2015 7:38 am

Thanks for the boost Marc. Now I just need to find some time to get back in the shop and make some sawdust.

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Matt (not the Matt of Matt’s workbench) July 21, 2015 8:32 am

Marc – As the others have commented, well said.

My wife and I like to do woodwork together as hobby. We are still newbies, but its a great activity to do together and to combine are complimentary talents of engineering, art, and design into one effort.

I got a reminder one day from here that we are doing it for fun and the need to slow down and smell the roses while doing it. Don’t let it turn into chore or work project where we get down on ourselves when we mess up. We now have a pair of “stools of despair” in our workshop that we sit on and contemplate our mistakes and next steps. But we now make it fun, and tease ourselves about our comedy of errors.

We have also learned to call it day, when we get tired or frustrated about something. This way don’t taint or ruin the experience.

We have also learned that when planning projects, to only introduce one new technique per project.

For us, its about having fun. But we have to remind ourselves every time we are in the workshop to be patient and have fun.

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Barry July 21, 2015 11:24 am

Marc, all of the above is true. I do not have great skill or patience so I research a lot before doing something new. If the work is precise and tedious, I only work on that for an hour or two because I am terrible when I get tired.

Lastly, I view mistakes as “Edsonian” after Thomas Edison. Oh, I have discovered another way not to do something.

PS. Do not be so hard on yourself.

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Zac Higgins July 21, 2015 11:14 pm

Well, if that’s not motivational I don’t know what is!! Great article and advice Marc! There are so many applications for that advice in everyone’s daily life as well as woodworking.

I’m taking that advice and running with it! It’s nice to get a proverbial slap in the face every once in a while that brings things into perspective.

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Virgil Mullins July 28, 2015 2:14 pm

I will let you in on a secret…. there is no such thing as perfection. Even the grandest piece of furniture ever made has some imperfection. There are so many other things in this hobby that can give you the feeling of perfection. Such as the shear beauty of the wood and the fact that there will never be another piece just like it, the use of a tool that you invested part of yourself into that works just as it was designed to do, the mental exercise of the design and set up that will give you the result you want. The smell of the shop and the feeling of making that one cut exactly where you wanted it. Woodworking has gone on from the beginning of time. We have a connection with everyone who has worked wood before us and to those who will work it long after we are gone. Just relax and enjoy your time with this wonderful thing we call woodworking.

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prov163 August 11, 2015 10:00 pm

Marc,

Thanks for pep talk. Came at a great time. I was struggling with building my first “big” piece of furniture and had stalled, when I read it. Got back in the shop, starting working on the project again, and had a great time. Turned out better than I expected and the person it went to is ecstatic. Win-Win. Anyway, thanks for the kick in the a$$.

Derrick

P.S. I watched your last live show and it was great. I still don’t understand the difference in stains and dyes, but I’m going to test some dyes and see how they work. LOL

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Steve Cuthbert December 17, 2015 7:04 pm

Well said Marc. We all are our worse critic and getting down on yourself because you compare your work to the next guy only results in a disservice to yourself. We all crawl before we can walk and the same goes for woodworking or any other craft. Improving on the things we see as mistakes is what makes us a better craftsman. I admire the work you do, keep up the great work. It encourages me to be the best I can be. Thanks for inspiring me.
Steve C. Southport, NC

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Michael Dorsam February 28, 2016 9:51 am

Great comments, Marc; and the general tone of the follow-up comments speaks volumes to what makes woodworking a great hobby, and profession – it ask us, requires of us, to do our best – regardless of what that ‘best’ is. All that we owe ourselves is to be and do the best we can.

I’m not a naturally-gifted, handy person, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to be the best non-naturally-gifted person on the planet – falling short, as I do, many times. I can see the shortcomings in my work; however, they are the best that I can do, right now.

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