I recently described myself as ‘having a sickness’ because when I become interested in something I research it to death. If I find something new I want to learn about, and I buy books, read magazines, watch instructional videos, buy the tools or devices necessary and any other materials needed and then delve right into it. It was suggested that this be considered a ‘gift’ instead of a sickness by someone else that may be plagued with the same, we’ll say ‘gift.’ After some thought on the matter, I’m apt to agree.

I have used this ‘gift/sickness’ to learn to knit, crochet, spin yarn, dye yarn and fiber, learn yoga, teach myself a second language, get through college and most recently, take up belly dancing. I believe firmly that in any endeavor you must be fully committed. If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well. To that end, I believe that in order to be good at what you do you owe it to yourself to treat even your hobbies as if they are the most important thing you could be doing at that time.

If you have a craft that you love, you owe it to yourself to fully commit to it when you are working on it. Set aside special time to work on your projects, if you have time to do it every day or only time to do it once a week. Schedule that time and make it a priority. Just as you get better over time from practicing an instrument or more proficient at your job after a few months working in the industry, you will become more adept at your craft when you set aside specific time to practice it.

I take a little more aggressive stance when I am learning something new. I whole heartedly commit to it for a certain amount of time (the time varies, depending on how long this new thing can hold my interest).  Recently I decided I wanted to learn to sew. I picked up an inexpensive sewing machine and some of my mother-in-laws scrap fabric and went to it. I made several lop sided, poorly stitched items that I’m sure will fall apart should I dare to wash them, but after three days of nearly nonstop cutting, pinning and sewing I got it. It all fell together and I made a little purse that looks like something someone might actually want to admit they owned.

I firmly believe anyone can learn just about anything. We all have the capacity to pick up new tricks, it’s just a matter of allowing ourselves the time to be bad at it for awhile that I think stops people from getting truly good at something. Give yourself permission to be absolutely terrible at something, budget for mistakes and disasters. Know that you are going to burn some cookies before you perfect the recipe, accept that there are going to be wonky edges, dropped stitches, ill thought-out patterns and designs and all manner of other catastrophes before you turn out that first perfectly executed item.

Keep in mind however, that all those previous disasters and misfortunes that aren’t fit for the dog to sleep on will only serve as a pedestal on which your great accomplishment can shine.
 

(Diving Belle image courtesy of Star Foreman Photograhy, sewing patterns image courtesy of Mad Woman Perfume Lab)