When we moved into our house several years ago, it came with a large (21' x 21') unfinished room in the basement.  The floors and walls were cold concrete and block.  We decided to put a ping pong table in it which gave it some limited functionality when we had friends over, but otherwise it was generally wasted space.  My wife and I called a local contractor and asked for an estimate to frame the room, hang drywall, run electrical outlets, and prime it.  To save some money, I was willing to paint it and we were confident we could get a good deal on carpet. $10,265. That was the estimate received in December of 2016.  My wife and I couldn't believe the price, so we spoke to another local contractor who confirmed that this was about right for this kind of work.  I looked at my wife and said "Hey, I bet I could do a really cool theater room for a fraction of the price."  She agreed to turn me loose as long as I was less than the contractor's...

Ok all you creators out there, I am hereby declaring August 11th "Adopt a Problem Day."  If you remember back in the Responsible and Victimized post, we talked about how crucial it is for creators to be uncommonly responsible  for the outcome of things they value.  So, to put that into practice, your homework assignment for August 11th is to adopt a problem.  What does it mean to adopt a problem?  Just take these four steps: Step 1 (Pick it): Take five minutes to think about the problems that nag you on a daily basis.  Maybe the garage is a complete mess.  Maybe there's a fence that needs painted.  Maybe one of the kids is not doing so well in math class.  If you are like me, there's no shortage of things that you just never get around to... but today you only get to pick one.  If you have your personal life completely in order, there's bonus points for adopting someone else's problem!  Step 2 (Plan it it): C...

Ever feel anxious?  I’m talking about sick to your stomach, unrelenting fear about something inconsequential.  I’m talking about staying up at night running over and over and over again through all the scenarios that may play out the next day?  You’re not alone.  Anxiety disorders affect about 18 percent of Americans over the age of 18*.   A few years ago, I started having feelings of anxiety.  I googled “how to manage stress” and found online recommendations like: “Close your eyes and imagine a stop sign” or “Lay on your back and start relaxing every muscle in your body starting at your toes and working your way up the body.”  No, I’m not making this up, and Yes I tried these exercises to no avail.  The corporate marketing machine also thought it could help me out by generously bombarding me for weeks with massage therapy, calming supplements, and relaxing vacation ads after ...

So, for those creators out there, I am hereby officially deeming July 6th  "Take Something Apart Day". Come on, you know you have that old broken computer, air conditioner, or weed trimmer laying around that hasn't worked for years.  As an engineer by trade, I can tell you that there is no better way to learn something than to take something apart, and (if you're lucky) getting it to regain at least a portion of it's original functionality! Anytime something breaks in the house, I take it apart and try to fix it, even if it's of trivial value.  I would say I have about a 30% track record of actually getting it working again, but a 100% track record of learning something cool.  Do you hear that?  That's the consumer inside you already starting to whine:  "...but, I'm not naturally handy" "...but, I make 50 dollars an hour.  It's not worth my time try to fix something" "...but, that sounds like a lot...

In the Why? post I briefly introduced the concept of a "creator".  The word “creator” is not simply talking about “one who creates” as the formal definition would suggest.  Likewise, a consumer is not simply “one who consumes”.  These labels were chosen because the words provoke an image that is the essence of self identification that I hope to write more about.  Where consumers are conventional, reactive, entitled, and indifferent.  Creators are creative, proactive, grateful, and passionate.  In fact, it is these hallmarks that I believe fundamentally distinguish the consumer from the creator, and I'll try to link back to them in future discussions. So, why should you embrace the life of the creator? What’s in it for you?  How about a deep enriching, healthy life full of joy, success, and enduring relationships.  Oh, and did I mention as an unintended consequence, the creator will often find his or herself entangled in staggeri...