Makers Are Part of What They Make

This weekend I cut 3 of my knuckles building an awning.

They were bleeding for a while before I realized I’d sliced them. Blood was all over the metal I was working with. It was pretty awesome.

I left part of myself in that project. Literally.

This idea that “makers are part of what they make” has lived rent free in my mind since high school.

As a freshman I read the Alvin Maker series by Orson Scott Card. In it, the main character (named “Alvin.” surprise!) has this realization that “makers are part of what they make.” So he climbs into a flaming furnace with a plow he crafted from molten metal, commands his body to live, and focuses his effort on imbuing himself into his plow.

When he climbs out of the furnace the plow is golden (and follows him around).

I don’t recommend you go so far as to climb into a physical, flaming furnace with your dream.

But I do challenge you to pour more of YOU into the things you make! This might require you getting into a “furnace.” It requires your courage to let YOU out.

Putting you into the things you make will put you through a “fiery crucible in which all heroes are forged.”

Putting me into what I make is a rule of my game now.

It’s a requirement for anyone wanting to build a dream.

I mean, it’s YOUR dream right?

Put more of you in it.

Sterling Long!

P.S. For anyone wanting to make and sell their dream app, join the next training to learn how to make that a reality!