Episode 097: Craftsmanship Requires Change

We’ve spent some time talking about what it means to be an Artisan.  To make it easy to understand, I told you there were three C’s that marked an Artisan: craftsmanship, creativity, and community.  We continue our focus on Craftsmanship.  Today, it’s about how practicing change keeps us sharp and continuously evolving.

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On This Episode

Rhythm of Life – Invite or Command?

Random Riffs – Played to Death

Feature Segment – The Artisan Life: Craftsmanship and the Art of Change

Today’s Quote

Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.  — Steven Hawking

Rhythm of Life – Invite or Command?

I’ve been telling you for a while that I’m really paying attention to how I sit, stand, walk, and lie down.  Trying to inhibit the habits that aren’t serving me well.

You’d think because I know it, I’d just change.  It’s not as easy as it seems.  It reminds me of the classic “All in the Family” episode where Edith is going through menopause.  In his exasperation, Archie yells, “I’m gonna give you just 30 seconds.  Now come on, change.”  Here’s a link to the episode if you want to watch it.

That’s what I feel like telling myself sometimes: “Now come on, change.”

What does that do?  Makes it worse.

An important lesson I’ve learned from the Alexander Technique is to explore.  Invite change, rather than trying to cram it in.  Like you, I’m doing the best I can.  Change is happening, even when I can’t see it.

I want to encourage you too.  You don’t have to push yourself to “so change already.”  Be gentle.  Invite yourself to change rather than push.  It can make all the difference.

So come on, explore.

Random Riffs – Played to Death

The other day I was listening to podcast called “All Songs Considered”.  The hosts were talking about what songs were great in their time, and now should be retired.  Because they’ve lost their impact.

Listen to the episode to hear my short list of songs that should be retired.

With all the options we have to stream music, you’d think we’d have more variety now.  But it takes intention to hear something out of the norm.  Let’s decide together to confuse the algorithm that decides what music to play us.

Now if I could only get “Let it Go” out of my head…

Feature Segment – The Artisan Life: Craftsmanship and the Art of Change

As you heard in Episode 096, one mark of a craftsperson is to follow your curiosity.  On today’s episode, we’re exploring the second foundation of craftsmanship – embracing change.  Change that comes from experimentation.  Testing.  Constant improvement.  Disrupting your life and work to make it better.

The best know this and practice it all the time.

1. A friend in college learning a new bow technique after years of lessons.


2. Seth Godin designing new courses that bring the best of online do-it-on-your-own-time with a true community.

How can you embrace change?

1. Practice with low-impact activities.


2. Break down large changes or projects into smaller pieces so it doesn’t feel so overwhelming.


3. Do a downside analysis. Listen to Episode 084 to hear more about this.  And check the show notes for a free decision-making template.

We’re all wired for change.  We’re also wired against it.  Fear works to try and keep us safe.  Don’t fight with fear.  Just make sure it sits in back seat.  Not driving.  To do that, practice changing with low or no impact activities.  Break down into small chunks.  Do downside analysis to mitigate risk.

Think about our modern conveniences.  At one point they didn’t exist.  And then they did.  It didn’t happen all at once.  It took a proves of experimentation.

Where do you want to start?  Start with something almost unnoticeable.  The smaller the better.

So try it.  Practice.  Chunk the work.  Reduce risk.  And watch craftsmanship grow.

Where do you want to start?  Leave a comment.

How do you get good at change? Practice. Chunk. Reduce risk. Watch craftsmanship grow.
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Artisan Series

090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work

091: The Three C’s of Artisanship

092: Are You a Creator, Consumer, or Critic?

093: Where to Start as an Artisan? With a MAP.

094: What’s Your Signature Scent?

095: The Foundations of Craftsmanship

096: Follow Your Curiosity to Build Craftsmanship

The post Episode 097: Craftsmanship Requires Change first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.