Compliments are difficult to accept as a perfectionist. While everyone else may see something they consider genuinely impressive, as the craftsman, it is hard to see past the what if’s and would be’s of all the little mistakes that I wish I could change. Accepting the idea of “good enough” was one of the hardest hurdles I had to clear when starting my business. To say I have ever given less than my best would be grossly inaccurate, but it took time to accept the fact that my best today is good enough, and tomorrow I can strive to be better.
I’ll let you all in on a secret. For the longest time, I lived in constant fear that I would be found out. I was terrified that one of my pieces would fall apart and expose me as someone who really had no idea what they were doing. Without anyone to show me the way at each turn, I’ve more or less been fumbling through the dark, trying to figure out the right way to do things. Anyone that knows me can attest to how contrary to my personality and frustrating that is for me. But for the last two years, I’ve more or less been in an all out pursuit of mastering this craft as quickly as possible—almost as if trying to outrun my mistakes. It has been exceptionally difficult, but you’ll notice the difference in my work if you look back to what I produced just a year ago.
So why on earth would I reveal this? I suppose I’m finally comfortable because my most recent project was the tipping point I was waiting for. I no longer feel like an imposter.
In my opinion, the highest praise can only come from another respected craftsman—someone who really knows what they’re looking at. That finally came for me in the form of a watch band, requested by another maker. This particular maker shares with me the most unfortunate experience of losing their father all too soon. As I understand it, holding on to his old watch is one of the best ways she has to keep her father close. And while she is perfectly capable of making a replacement band herself, she trusted the task to me. If ever there has been a project at the heart of my business, this is it.
The shift in my perspective has been tangible through this project, and I am extremely grateful to finally have confidence in my own abilities. By no stretch of the imagination am I perfect, but I’m finally good enough. I maintain my commitment to always strive to improve and look forward to seeing what I can do with this new confidence.
One thing I think often that makes me smile: If you want to own the best piece I’ve ever made, order the next one.
Comment below and let me know what you think, and share your big breakthrough moments.
Stay tuned for my photoseries documenting the making of this watch band and go check out @afirecracker on instagram. She does some incredibly creative geometric animal designs.
Don’t forget to get in those Christmas orders! Time is fast running out!
