Turns out, a gallon of porch paint holds more life wisdom than most business books.
While painting my mom’s porch, I found myself reflecting on how many parallels there are between rolling out a fresh coat of paint and running a business — or a life.
Here’s what I learned, brushstroke by brushstroke.
You can’t paint with a dry brush (or pour from an empty cup)
“Taking care of others requires taking care of yourself.” - Dalai Lama
- A full brush works better than a dry brush.
- Can’t pour from any empty cup - can’t paint with a dry brush.
DIY Has Limits. So Do Your Skills
“Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” - Cal Newport
- Want professional results? Hire a professional.
- DIY gives you DIY results.
Mistakes Happen. Wipe, Don’t Weep
“Pain + Reflection = Progress.” - Ray Dalio
- Don’t sweat the drops of paint on the floor (the mistakes).
- They are typically easy to fix and not worth worrying about.
Get Your Shit Together First (Like a Chef)
“Begin with the end in mind.” - Stephen Covey
- Get organized before starting.
- Chefs call it mise en place.
Only Do It If It Feels Like A Clear Yes
“If it isn’t a clear yes, then it’s a clear no.” - Greg McKeown
- Have fun!
- Enjoy what you're doing and who you're with.
- If you aren’t, then change it, skip it, or delegate it.
Rest Like You Mean It
“We must be willing to stop and be present, to rest in awareness, even in the midst of activity.” - Jon Kabat-Zinn
- Take frequent breaks.
- Breaks don’t slow you down, they keep you going (like the Energizer Bunny).
Use The Right Tool (Seriously)
“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” - David Allen
- Use the right tools.
- Forcing a screwdriver to do a paintbrush’s job is a waste of time….and your sanity.
Step Back and See the Bigger Picture
“Change might not be fast and it isn’t always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped.” - Charles Duhigg
- Pause.
- Observe.
- Learn.
- Perspective isn’t found in the details; it’s found in the distance.
Capture the Journey
“Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” - David Allen
- Document as you go.
- The photos and notes tell a story you’ll want (and need) to remember.
Plan Ahead. Don’t Paint Yourself Into a Corner
“I believe everything we do in life is part of a plan. Sometimes the plan goes as intended, and sometimes it doesn’t. That’s part of the plan.” - Matthew McConaughey
- Know where you’re going.
- Avoid getting stuck in tight corners…literally and figuratively.
Take your next chore or project and turn it into a quiet practice of presence.
Ponder This
- What “simple tasks” in your life might be full of unspoken wisdom?
- Where are you using the wrong tools and expecting top-tier results?
- When was the last time you stepped back and admired your progress?
Books
- Getting Things Done – David Allen
- Essentialism – Greg McKeown
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey
- The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg
- Principles – Ray Dalio
- Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey
- Full Catastrophe Living – Jon Kabat-Zinn
- Deep Work – Cal Newport