A year end review - 2019
It is the last day of not just the year, but the decade, tonight we cross momentously into 2020. That means that many festive outgoing folks are headed to “roaring 20’s” themed new years eve parties, while I’m over here recalling the angst of Y2K and scrolling through everyone’s “top 9” posts on instagram, debating if I should post one too. I don’t think that I will, or at least not the kind easily generated by an app. I also haven’t set any resolutions for the new year, well not yet anyways.
As I was perusing the internet yesterday, I spied a post by a friend titled “End Your Year Intentionally with these 10 Questions” because this was something different in the sea of “top9” and “best resolutions for 2020” posts I took notice and invested the time to read the article. In a nutshell, take time to reflect on the year behind before looking to the year ahead, what a novel idea. When I’m working with my friend Glenn at the Gardens of Castle Rock, we often discuss this concept, but mostly from the point of view that we’ve been absolute shit about keeping track of the projects we’ve accomplished together since last February, and then we try to remember everything we’ve done. Usually these conversations come when one of us is overwhelmed in the day to day grind of self employed life, because you don’t get to be Rose, arms raised, on the bow of the Titanic every day; more often than not you’re Jack, freezing to death in the frigid waters of payroll, taxes, or wondering why your most recent Tik Tok post hasn’t hit a billion (or even 50) views. So, to jump on the end of year post bandwagon, let’s answer these 10 questions, looking back on our first year in business.
1. What makes this year unforgettable?
I quit my safe cushy, although chaotic, job at the University of Wisconsin River Falls; and I started telling everyone I was going to make my income by turning dead trees into useful and beautiful things. In the process I’ve spent a lot of money, earned a little of it back, and most importantly my wife still talks to me and is supportive of the adventure. It’s been a wild year to say the least.
2. What did you enjoy doing this year?
Building a lot of things that I know have brought many people joy. A new desk for my Mom, trophies for a rock climbing competition, live edge shelves for the man cave of a deployed service member, and a boat load of charcuterie boards before Christmas.
3. What/who is the one thing/person you’re grateful for?
Just one?!?! I can’t narrow it down that much.
Megan, my wife, more importantly my partner, I 100% could not have done this without her.
My Parents, for being incredibly supportive, not murdering me as a youth (even if I deserved it), and allowing me to take over their garage, inhabit my childhood bedroom, and tolerating my sometimes grumpy hermit self, while I get this adventure started.
Glenn and Michelle, for being incredible friends who also took a financial risk by employing me part time, and taking me to North House Folk School to build a Timber Frame! It’s been an incredible, life changing year!
4. What’s your biggest win this year?
Again where to start? Let’s just say surviving the first year in business without too many bumps along the way.
OH! and we got a dog! It’s been 8 years since my last dog Dudley passed away, and I’ve been wanting one for about the last 6 years but never felt like I had the time (or money) to dedicate to a companion like that until now! Moose is pretty fantastic.
5. What did you read/watch/listen to that made the most impact this year?
The interview with Shawn James that I was able to photograph for the Rules of the Arena Podcast.
Shawn has an incredible outlook on what it takes to survive and thrive as an artist.
6. What did you worry about most and how did it turn out?
I’ve never been one to worry, there’s been some anxiety about being fully responsible for my success or failure. Zero scapegoats… but truly that’s a more freeing place to be. It’s terrifying, and exhilarating at the same time.
7. What was your biggest regret and why?
Part of me wants to say not being more productive… because I always feel like I could have done more. I’ve never been good at counting my wins, but always focus on my missteps or losses to discover where I could improve.
So I regret not taking more time to celebrate those initial wins… a big part of this journey is about slowing down, not trying to constantly do more.
8. What’s one thing that changed about yourself?
I have always been a spender (thankfully my wife is a saver)
Spending money gives me the dopamine hit that makes me feel good.
Make no mistake, I spent a lot of money this year, but I never ended the month with zero dollars in my checking account, which is something I did consistently when I was making a lot more money.
My spending priorities have changed, and because I find so much satisfaction in my work now, I’m not looking for that extra rush from buying stuff.
9. What surprised you the most this year?
The amazing weight that was lifted off of me and I actually quit my “real job”
That other people actually value what I am doing and are both emotionally, and fiscally supportive of these endeavors.
That a lot of people are willing to trust me with their time and watch my youtube videos
10. If you could go back to last January 1, what suggestions would you give your past self?
Back to money, it would have been nice to start the year with a better game plan of what I needed in the way of tools, office type stuff…. I think I would have shed some insight into what going into business really means and gotten it out of the way earlier. I still have a long way to go in this department, and I’m nervous that the school of hard knocks and the IRS is going to do some more educating this year.
There are so many wonderful, and a few not so great, things that happened this year we couldn’t possibly touch on them all. Know that if you’ve interacted with us this year, or supported the workshop in anyway, Megan and I love you, and are grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful and supportive family and friends.
Now we’re going to take the rest of the week to dream up what I’d like to see happen in 2020.
Happy New Year!