Mind of a Maker
A daily blog inspired by Matthew Dicks
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”
To become better at something, you have to practice. What better way to become a better writer and storyteller than to practice by making a habit of writing daily?
In this daily blog, we’ll discuss Maker-related topics as well as what inspires projects, including YouTube videos, Movies, TV Shows, Disney, Star Wars, LEGO, Books, and more. Everything is on the table, and nothing is off-limits.
Disclaimer: The thumbnail images featured on this blog are often AI-generated. See Disclosure page for more information.
My Workshop Is Constantly Changing (And Why That’s A Good Thing)
Most people have some idea of what a completed workspace looks like to them, but active workspaces should never be complete.
3 Reasons Makers Shouldn’t Stop At Solving A Problem
Most people start Making to solve at least one problem.
Saving money is usually a reason people get started, but that usually goes out the window after the initial DIY projects around the house and you start building from scratch. No, we make to solve something tangible with a solution of our own. If we have a bed and a lamp, but no nightstand, it could be starting with that.
The Best Advice From K-Pop Demon Hunters For Maker Business Owners
Unless you've been living under a rock, K-Pop Demon Hunter has taken over the world and I'm finding more reasons to love it.
Not only are the songs super catchy (don't lie and say you've not jammed out to Soda Pop by yourself in your car), but the messages are amazing and apply to Maker Business Owners as well. You're probably expecting either the uplifting message from Golden or the hype up from Takedown or How It's Done, but I have a different favorite:
Moderation Is For Cowards (If You’re A Maker)
Growing up in the 90’s and 2000’s, we were told we could be anything we wanted, that if we could dream it, we could do it. Then college and the real world slapped us with nonsense like “adjust your expectations,” “realistic goals,” blah blah blah. The best and most successful Makers I know build ridiculous things because they can and are passionate about them.
The 4 Most Basic Steps Every Maker Project Has
How do you eat an elephant?
Here’s how I apply this concept to my projects and what it has unlocked for me when it comes to larger, complex projects.
3 Hidden Costs Of Procrastination That Lead Makers To Burnout & Ultimately Quitting
As much as I want to say I don't procrastinate, I do and have noticed a few things over the years.
The 3 Lies Makers Tell Themselves That Keep Them From Making Progress On Projects
Everyone has a long list of things they want to accomplish and Makers are no different with project lists.
When looking at a long list of projects, some likely already in progress, it is easier to lie to ourselves than knock one out.
Simple (But Effective) Pieces Of Advice I'd Give Anyone Starting To MAKE Things
I have been MAKING things for 8 years.
These are the 3 simple (but effective) pieces of advice I'd give anyone starting out (or who wants to get started):
The Simplest Way For Makers To Overcome Procrastination Mid Build
Personally, I have struggled with procrastination for years, and it has caused months of delays.
Procrastination stems from being unsure of next steps and a lack of planning.
Here's how I started working on it:
The 1 Superpower Making Things Gives You (But It's A Duel-Edged Sword)
After I had been Making things for about a year, I realized it was an unexpected superpower.
The superpower? You believe that you can Make anything!
The kryptonite? You believe that you can Make Anything...
1 Big Mistake I Made When I Was First Getting Started Building and Making Things
Like most beginners, I made a lot of mistakes when I first started Making things (and still do).
But this was the biggest one, by far:
The Best Piece Of Advice I Was Given About Making Things
In 2022, I was in a rut as a Maker and no longer enjoyed building things.
Until I read Adam Savage's "Every Tool's A Hammer," and he recommended giving in to obsessions. It changed my trajectory as a Maker for the better
2 Years Ago, I Was….Exactly Where I Am Today (And I Hate That)
Recently, I realized that I have not grown as a Maker or Content Creator over the last 2 years. That changes today.
1 Habit All Successful Makers Have In Common
Most successful people share the same handful of things in common:
They are disciplined with their time
They know how to stay focused on one goal at a time
They have mentors and other influential people they can turn to for advice
They have mastered one (or multiple) valuable skills
Etc.
But most successful Makers have this 1 habit in common:
Why You Shouldn't Buy High-End Tools When First Starting To Make Things
When I first started Making things, I spent countless hours on YouTube watching other Makers. I wanted to do what they did, so researched the tools they used, but that was a mistake.