The Carpenter: A Story About the Greatest Success Strategies of All

Chapter 7Be a Craftsman

“Once you design your masterpiece, you must be a craftsman in your approach to your life and work,” the carpenter said as they drove down the highway toward the store. “All success starts with being a craftsman.”

“But your card says carpenter on it,” Michael asked in an inquisitive tone. “Why not put craftsman?”

“Because everyone understands what a carpenter does. Having craftsman on the card would scare some people away. People feel comfortable with the term carpenter so I do it for marketing purposes,” he said proudly as Michael smirked. He was excited to learn the carpenter’s success strategies, but didn’t believe marketing was one of them.

The carpenter continued, “I get jobs as a carpenter but I approach my work as a craftsman.”

“What’s the difference?” asked Michael.

“A carpenter builds things. A craftsman creates a work of art. While most people approach their work with the mindset that they just want to get it done, craftsmen are more concerned with who they are becoming and what they are creating rather than how fast they finish it. After all, it’s no use finishing something if it’s not a work of art.

“As a craftsman, I know the things I build won’t last forever but I work and create as though they will. I pour my heart and soul into everything I build, knowing that all that I create is a reflection of me. When I create art, I feel energized, and I energize all those who experience my work. And with each creation I become more of the person I ...