As an apprentice electrician, I worked with many different journeyman.

Most didn’t like their job.

They would complain.

And talk about all the places they’d rather be.

But one day, I met someone on the job that was completely different.

His name was John, and he was a skilled journeyman with years of experience and I was a 2nd-year apprentice.

Greener than grass.

That day I was expecting the same old thing.

Some crusty, middle-aged guy who acted like this work was beneath him.

Boy was I wrong.

I immediately noticed his intensity when we started working.

And I don’t mean loud, and aggressive.

I’m talking about a focus and intensity that I’d never seen.

He walked with a purpose, and maneuvered his tools with finesse and precision.

As I watched him work, I was in awe. I had never seen the bar of workmanship go so high.

He was precise and would get me to redo anything that wasn’t perfect.

But instead of feeling annoyed, I felt excited! I was proud to put everything I had into making it beautiful.

John’s passion and energy that day lifted me up to a higher level.

This story happened more than 10 years ago and I still remember it vividly because it played an influential role in my life.

The work we did that day was meaningful. Not because of the task itself, but because of the care and attention we put into it.

I had the pleasure of working with John many more times, and we became good friends.

Over the years I have seen how his reputation has grown and given him incredible opportunities in life.

The key takeaway:

Put your heart and soul into everything you do. Even mundane, boring tasks can be meaningful with enough focus and attention.

I have been thinking a lot about this story this week in the context of parenting.

When my son is watching me wash dishes, do I want him to see me lollygagging, and hating my life?

No.

I want him to see me putting effort and intention into each movement while having a positive attitude.

I truly believe that putting 100% into everything you do will make the world a better place.

Anyway..

Next time you find yourself staring off into space wishing you were somewhere else, try bringing your attention into the present and focusing on the task at hand.

You never know who might be watching and how you can impact them.

That’s all for this week.

Cheers!

Stephen Hanna