The Cutting Board Can Wait

In 2020, during what I now refer to as 'The Great Vacation', I picked up woodworking as a Covid Hobby. I built myself a cutting board. Not just any cutting board. A chaotic, end grain, heavy-duty slab of hardwood that took hours of sanding, glue-ups, and careful attention to detail.

It was frustrating. It was time-consuming. But it came out great. And I use it every single day. It’s not super flashy. It’s not perfect. But it’s durable. Functional. And built with my own two hands. It’ll be passed down someday, probably to my son. And when that day comes, if he ever wants to make one of his own, I’ll be ready to teach him. But only if he’s willing to do the work. Because the point isn’t the board. The point is what you put into it. Too many people want the heirloom without the effort. They want the lessons, the wins, the wisdom. But they’re not ready for the hours, the mess, and the frustration that come with earning them. Athletes want to lead, but don’t want to train like leaders. Coaches want respect, but don’t want to carry the standard first. Parents want their kids to grind, but don’t model what that looks like. We say we’re ready. But we’re not willing. And that’s the difference. So here’s the challenge this week: What are you building that’s worth passing down? And what are you doing to earn it? When you’re ready to show up for the process, you’ll find someone ready to teach you. Until then, the cutting board will wait. Keep the fire burning, Leech