I’ve been thinking about my future customers — the people I want to reach and the people I hope to serve. My future customers, my people, will be starting something new: a new house, a new workshop, a new detached garage, or a new space for someone who’ll be living in the backyard. For many, this will be the first time they’ve ever tried to build a house. Maybe that’s you. It’s a big task with a lot to learn.
This blog is about starting new things. Over the years, I’ve started — or helped start — new jobs, new ventures, new ministries, and new churches. And now I’m starting Mended Oak Design and Engineering. I’ve done a lot of engineering and structural design, but I’ve never started a business before. To make this work, I have to learn new skills from scratch. Four months in, it feels like I learn something new every day. I’ve had to pick up new software, develop new tools, set up an online store, figure out how to spread the word, build partnerships, and keep the business running.
If you’re here, you may be building a house for the first time, doing all or part of it yourself, becoming your own general contractor, lining up subs, and working with building officials. You’re probably starting something new, too.
Today, I want to share four things I’ve learned from a group of people who start new things all the time: children. Children start new things because they must.
Choose something you want to try—and try hard.
You’ll enjoy it more, and you’ll quickly learn what you’re good at and where you need help. I’ve watched all four of my kids learn this way.
Don’t Stay Discouraged. Believe you’ll get better and keep trying.
Children learn everything from scratch, and they fail constantly. Then they try again. When I was a new dad, I watched my kids learn to walk, talk, and even use the bathroom—talk about learning new things. They fell down, failed, messed up, and blew it. My wife and I encouraged them the best we could. We loved our kids and wanted them to succeed. Having fans helps. A lot of people are cheering me on as I start this business, and that encouragement means a lot. I don’t have many detractors, which is nice, but the words of critics stick. It’s wise to pay some attention to what critics say. They may point out things we’re blind to. But listen to them too much and you will lose all your joy and the new venture will become nothing but a burden. It’s foolish to give critics that much power. Don’t listen to them too much.
Celebrate big when you succeed—and celebrate with the people you love.
Then jump back in. I remember when our oldest climbed the big slide and went down by herself for the first time. She was two. She left the picnic table and walked about fifteen yards to the slide. It scared her, and she cried most of the way up. But when she reached the top, she looked back at us for reassurance and then slid down. She had the biggest smile when she reached the bottom and ran, laughing, back to the table where we all celebrated. A few minutes later, she did it again.
Kids may not do this naturally, but I’ll add it anyway. Do your part. Be responsible. Work hard. And believe that someone bigger than you will help you when you need it.
I’m starting Mended Oak because God put the needs of people on my heart. Ultimately, I believe he’ll take care of me even when it feels like I’ve hit a wall. I’ve learned this lesson over the years: God provides resources. God leads me to people who can help. Some of the people he’s sent have provided help I didn’t even know I needed! He has sent encouragers, listens, advisers, partners, and friends. I’m not suggesting God helps those who help themselves. That’s bad theology. But like a loving Father, he delights to help his kids step up and try new things that bless them and the people around them.
May you have wonderful success as you try a new a thing!
SDG