How to Stay Motivated 

My parents divorced when I was 8. My mother and I moved to my grandfathers farm in the most remote Ozarks. I stepped out the truck and grandma said “ you are the youngest, you wake up first. Build a fire in the small house to boil water, build a fire in the big house to cook breakfast. Feed the chickens, ducks, pigs, cows and horses. Gather some eggs and get back up here in time to eat and get to school” 😳 I was shocked and honored to have so much responsibility. Best start for a boy to become a useful man.

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It's 945 PM and I'm drenched in sweat from running 700' of fiber cable through a hospital. Started at 5AM this morning and it was a really tough run. I never once felt unmotivated. I was excited to reap all the glory of doing the impossible single-handed. My wife 4 year old and 7 month old are really proud of me and I'm proud of myself. It's a powerful feeling to provide well for my family.

I'm 36, been a GC for 6 yrs. I was struggling today, the title of the video caught my eye. My first child is due in 4 wks and I'm busting ass to get the house ready. EC I've been following awhile but never commented before, but there's a tear in my eye and a quickness in my step as I listen to this. You've provided great advice in the past, but this is more important than all of it. Thank you. James

As a 31 year old dad I always learn a lot from your videos. I appreciate them greatly, and they have a huge impact. Thank you and keep up the good work.

Thanks Scott. I'm right there now, not motivated. At 75, I've gone through all of those phases in my life. I have a great wife, children and grandchildren. I've gone through ups and downs in my career and done OK. The big challenge right now is health issues. Between arthritis and residual cancer issues it's hard to get motivated. I still build with Habitat for Humanity every week but it's hard to get out the door some days. You are so right in that family is everything!

You and I have fundamentally different views on some very important issues, and yet I still find that I can learn from you, and have a deep respect for your ethics. Your eloquence and lack of judgement allows the conversation to stay open through differing opinions. Thank you for having more to teach than carpentry.

Honestly, this isn't just a lesson for craftsmen, this is life wisdom here. Thank you for sharing it with us!

I think the key message is finding meaning beyond yourself and your own needs. So very glad you found your path with family. That is certainly one way, but there are so many others as well. The challenge for all of us is to assemble a life with many dimensions and interests. The most unmotivated (and miserable) people I know are ones that pull their entire identity from their job.

Come for the craftsmen learning, stay for the sage advice. This is definitely one of the best RU-vid channels.

Like I told a customer, I’m not going to leave a huge mark on mankind, so I may as well be the best carpenter that I can be and help others with my skills. I’m 44 and have had 9 orthopedic surgeries on 5 joints. Just got my new knee 9 weeks ago and I’m back to work and loving it. Motivation is all about perspective

This is great advice and you don't have to be a father to have a family. Make one, with neighbors, or friends, or siblings or cousins or just random people in this world. They'll keep you accountable, add meaning to your life, and keep you motivated to do more. Thanks for all the great videos.

Scott, I grew up in Battle Ground and have watched your videos for years. I lost my Dad in 2011 to cancer, and in many ways you remind me of him: a wonderful family man, a man of faith, an insanely hard worker, and just someone who you want to be around. Thank you for being a father figure to me, and for taking the time to create these videos. I appreciate them more than I can express. I hope to meet you one day in person when I’m visiting family in the Northwest, or if you’re ever in Alaska! -Tim

As a man that lost his parents as a teenager, the advice you provide is invaluable to me. You are a tremendous mentor and inspiration for me as an individual.

Yeap, hit the nail on the head Scott. You're dead right about being a husband and a dad exposing your own inadequacies. I'm 29years old here in New Zealand, and I have 3 daughters with my wife. When you know that your paycheck plays a significant part in the happiness of your kids, wife and home - you better get to work. Love these sit down and talk videos mate, all the best.

27 year old dad of four here, this is something I needed to hear today. My wife is a full time college student and we both work full time jobs, she works evenings and I work mornings. I've been overwhelmed lately with the task of being the parent that takes care of the kids from when the bus drops them off and daycare let's out until bedtime. Thank you. This helped

No husband, no children. The thing that kept me going to work every morning was loving the job and the people I was taking care. As I got older and the office I worked in cut back on the number of patients we took care of... and as they out-sourced more and more of the things I had been responsible for over the years I found myself with the feeling of 'I don't want to'...more and more often. Good thing I was already past the 'official' retirement age. If you can't find someone to love, find something you love to do.

As a 23 year old building apprentice, living far away from you in New Zealand. This is some genuine heartfelt advice that provides me comfort and at the same time the drive to be a better man , thanks to your wisdom. I love your videos like these please do more. Jake

Man I’ve been watching your channel for 2-3 years and I can say that you have made a great impact on me. I have just finished building my own house 1800 sq ft all by myself. I only hired an AC guy and an electrician every thing else I did myself. Thank you for your knowledge and your advice. Thank you

I’m in my late 20’s and have a wife and two kids. I work in tech and am staring at a screen all day. Most days I just want to close the computer and go do something with my hands but working behind a desk provides the money to pay for my house, raise my kids, and take care of my wife. This channel has so much wisdom and it doesn’t just apply to craftsmen and makers, it applies to white collars like myself as well. Often I just want to be doing something else but my family motivates me to keep going.

im a 36 year old new dad working construction in montana. i was lucky enough to grow up with a good father figure, but i have to say you really have been a sort of mentor for me. i truly appreciate your ability to intertwine decency, compassion, and intellectual discussion, with the reality of work and life. when i need a pep talk or example to look towards you are there speaking timeless wisdom.. we need more of you in this world. thank you

Outstanding Sir, I'm a 64 yr old man, a Veteran, damaged goods, physically, mentally & psychological. But I still get up & go working (hard labor) tree felling & fencing. The black dog is at my back most days, several times I could have surrendered. I place others 1st and it keeps me getting up every day (motivated to fight for others). I could not have said it any better than you sir.

Listening to this as I hold my second child, my son, who was born last week. Couldn’t agree more with the advice. I didn’t realize how meaningless my life was until my life was until my daughter was born. Now my life feels so full, there is a direction and a reason to work. Having kids is such a blessing

As a 37 year old automotive mechanic I have been struggling to stay motivated. I have had the great fortune to have finally found the right woman and we are getting married in a couple months then starting a family this video spoke straight to me and couldn’t be more true as I have been motivated by the future since I met her.

You are fortunate to have a family and children. Not everyone is that blessed and much of the time have little control of it. Unable to have children, children killed, children indifferent, family killed, etc etc. So there is not a one solution (as with everything) to motivational issues. But helping your fellow man, friends and family (if they are worthy of it) certainly adds meaning and enjoyment to life. Take care sir.

As a guy that never had a father, I have always turned to you for wisdom beyond building… you hit the nail on the head with this video… thank you ❤

You nailed it. Now that I'm retired what keeps me volunteering and helping and putting in sometimes 80 hours a week (farm/volunteering), is leaving something for my wife and son, and providing opportunity for those who can't do what I have... I don't HAVE to do anything at all now, but I wouldn’t be me if I stopped.

Thank you. I am 36 with a doctorate degree and residency training. I grew up in the trades and started working when I was 8 mowing lawns and then at age 12 working landscaping and plumbing. Everything I do, I do for my 3 girls and my lovely wife. She has for many year of our marriage been the main source of income to our family. I have worked for horrible people and finally got the guts to open my own practice. Running a business is not for the faint of heart. It is sometimes easy to think that I am well educated and sacrificed so much for the skills that I have. Why can't this be easy? Why can I bring home a paycheck? Before every dawn, there is a night, and some nights are barker than others. The intern compassion that I actively try to foster for my patients, my responsibilities at church, and to my family are the only things that make it all worthwhile. Life is truly lived best when we follow the first 2 great commandments.

I’m not normally an emotional guy but you put it out there so poetically it brought me to literal tears because it’s so true. Thank you for all you do🫡

Thank you for your words of wisdom! As a self employed contractor with 3 children,the hardest thing I found in the past was balance of time,not motivation.Life can be a double edged sword,working hard to provide for a family and trying to have quality time with said family.My biggest regret in life was working too much and missing out on those irreplaceable moments with my kids,birthday parties,kids sporting events,etc.Young fathers take the time to spend with your kids,before you know it they’ll be grown and moving on.

As someone who has been approaching burn out running my business while trying for 10 years with my wife to start a family I can attest to this. We were graced to adopt a infant (boy) 6 months ago and my whole world has changed. Being a new dad at 43 has been intimidating. But it’s made me look at my business in whole different way. Not only to provide for him, but thinking about how to provide for my employees and their families. How we treat our customers. It’s helped me lose the ego, and focus more on what I can do to help others reach their goals. Brilliant post Scott!

I'm 34 with two young daughters and going through a divorce. I needed this video today. I want to keep pushing for my kids to have a better life but am struggling because my (ex)wife doesn't appreciate all I have provided.

Really struck a cord with this one. My first daughter is now 4 months old. I've never been so tired my whole life, including times I've worked 100 hours for weeks on end. I wouldn't trade it for anything. An amazing wife and a precious little one make all the struggle and pain worth it.

41 year old mushroom farm owner here. I like your videos, so when I saw today's theme I clicked on the video as I was curious. I have no children of my own, nor am I married (divorced). I've always wanted them but life doesn't always work out the way we plan and hope. How bad do I want children? Well, let's just say that I am not someone you want to be near when Father's Day rolls around - I'm never in a good place when those reminders of loss are all around me all day. So if I can, I'd like to add a note for those of you who, like me, are missing that crucial element - a family of your own. I agree with everything in this video, btw. And I do mean everything. I am an accomplished business owner, a decorated veteran, I have a lifetime of achievements, and many people in my community and state respect and, I dare say, admire me. But even with all of that there's still a very big piece missing that makes me feel ... incomplete. And I'm self aware enough to know that with everything I've completed in this life, that crucial element is... a wife and children to love. It makes a man wake up each morning and the first question that comes to mind is: what is the point? Why do I bother with any of this? With anything at all? If dwelled upon too much, it can cause a man to have an existential crisis and be depressed over and over again. So... How do I stay motivated? How does one continue on each day while feeling incomplete? (And like the central theme above, I'm sure I'm already drawing ire from some of you but that's on you to figure out for yourself - I'd just ask you to evaluate, honestly, why you're feeling anger or bitterness in response to my words. I think you'll find the answer if you reflect honestly). I have the benefit of having been married to a wonderful woman for ten years. I won't get into the how and why we divorced - to sum it up for those younger than me, for god's sake if things get bad seek counseling. Don't let what's unspoken and your own fears weaken the foundation of your important relationships. One of the gifts I've carried with me from that marriage was the knowledge of what it means to live for someone else you love and you've created a happy home with. To have the responsibility of a partner on your shoulders. It's not a burden mind you - it's freedom at its purest. It unburdens you of all the doubt and insecurities and inadequacies, and gives you a glorious focus of purpose. All things in your life now become about not filling your selfish desires and wild ambitions, but instead all things are now about building and creating for the future to ensure the best possible for your family. Even on the hardest days, that "spark" exists deep in your chest to give your days and your work an incredibly powerful meaning unlike anything else. So.... How do I stay motivated? And how should you? First, I cling to the hope of the future. I never stop bettering myself so that when I do meet the right girl, my attitude and outlook are positive. Seriously guys, think about it - when you meet a woman, are you attracted to someone who's a sad sack or negative about life? No, you are attracted to her laughter and positivity, interesting conversation, etc. So be the best version of yourself (or as close as you can - you should always be improving, as with all things) so when you DO meet her/him, she can feel safe that she isn't meeting a man child. That alone won't do it though, fellas. I'm past 40 so I accepted that a family simply may not be in my cards. That's life. But there are other types of family that can give you purpose. For me, it's my community, my employees, and my clients. GET INVOLVED with your community, ESPECIALLY if you're rural. Be a local leader and help with social events around the holidays, coach the local teams, organize youth events with the parents - whatever you can to impact your community positively. Trust me, the parents in the town will appreciate you more than you realize (cause we have the extra time, fellas - let's be honest). And if you absolutely know without a doubt you won't be meeting the right girl ever or if you're gay... I'd urge you to consider adopting. It seems like an enormous venture... But there are tons of orphan children who've never known what a "home" truly is, and you both can create a family together. I have many whom I've taken into my home over the years in other ways, and for that I'm richer and I have purpose when everything else fails me. It's damned hard, I won't lie. But the sacrifice is worth it when you overhear those that are now grown telling others "he's like the father I never had - I wouldn't be here or who I am without him" come from the mouths of multiple people. It may not be the same, but it's close enough to keep you going on those toughest days, guys. Always be on the lookout for that special someone, yes. But when that dream seems far off, consider my advice above as a substitute until it happens. Thanks for the video, bud. Some very wise words there that I hope helps a lot of folks.

That is exactly what I needed in the very instant I needed it in! I struggle to keep going. You have inspired me for many years and I hope to be half as good as you one day. I have emulated you, from your work boots to your work pants and suspenders to your kind smile and high quality standards. I even organized my tool bags like yours ( tape on the left). I was raised by my grandma and no men to look up to. You are the father figure I hoped for. Please take my words to heart and know that they are sincere. I would love to shake your hand and say thank you someday! Good bless you. I have a wonderful wife and 3 children. I have strived to be a good man and father I didn’t have. Built a construction business from the university of RU-vid. Thank you for being my life coach, teacher, and friend! Your wisdom is valued and not falling on deaf ears. Thank you! Youre truly making a difference!👍

Wow this video hit me at the EXACT right time. I’ve been getting burned out after being a contractor for the past 35 years. Thank you for putting this video out because it always helps to hear from someone else that my own thoughts and feelings are what others have been feeling too. It also helps me to start getting some motivation back to keep pushing and also to appreciate all of my experience and put it to good use. GREAT video!!!

Absolutely one of the best posts ever Scott. How blessed your children are to have witnessed your growth, and to benefit from it. I hope this gets shared widely. I'm 75 and I'll be sending it on to one to some in my own circle who need to hear it.

29 year old Father/husband/trade business owner here. It's 4:30am. I have just fed my daughter and put her back to bed. Scott, God must have heard my thoughts this morning. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I have never worked so hard and earnt less than I have in the last 3 months and I'm struggling to find the last ounce of motivation to not go back to bed with my wife and baby girl. Thank you once again. You are a true reminder that we all experience the same genres in life and direct experience is something to be shared and learnt from. Best regards, Chris.

After watching your videos for years, I’m really enjoying these benchtop talks. I’ve owned a welding business for 20 years and those family responsibilities have kept me going but lately find myself unmotivated to continue.

This is THE video I needed right on time! My dad is in the hospital and possibly headed to heaven soon and I can’t thank you enough for this video! Y’all are far more than entertainment for me Essential Craftsman is a huge encouragement to me! Thank you and God bless!

Currently in Firefighting but also do construction and school. The burn out can be overwhelming some days. I don’t have a family or significant other so my situation isn’t quite like others here. My mother is kind enough to let me live at home and save money and in return I do the yard work fix things around the house and make dinners and such. One thing I’be found that gets me through the day which you mentioned is just thinking about that future family I want some day. As well as just pure grit. Thank you for being an excellent role model through the years. -Matt

The cost of living has nearly tripled in my area the past 3 yrs while pay has stayed the same. I feel defeated going to work every day and working myself to exhaustion just to survive. No vacation, not being able to give and help family, and friends like I used to be able to. Feels like I'm just flailing in and ocean with no land in sight

I’m 46, been building since 15 yrs old. Customers can be great or terrible. The best ones come from word of mouth referrals….. this happens when you do your best EVERY minute of every day. “Can’t see it from my house” has never crossed my lips and I was dumbfounded the first time I heard it. Your work is your legacy….curiosity and interest got you there and results and satisfaction and appreciation will motivate. Luv to all…..leave this earth proud of the dreams you fulfilled for others and yourself 😉

As a hard working father with a young family of 4. You are speaking straight to my heart. Thank you for your wise words. Keep up the good work!

We just stayed the first night in our house in 11 months after staying in our trailer during our remodel/addition and the pure joy and excitement from my almost 4 year old daughter has been the ultimate motivator

Great inspiration! Having never been a father (although I always wanted to be one) I can only say that having a family is harder than anything else. Yes, it’s the most rewarding and important part of life, but it can also be the most stressful and exhausting and disappointing part as well. Make sure that you are happy with who you are and what you do BEFORE you decide to start a family. If you don’t, the road will be full of obstacles and bad experiences for not just you, but all those who are important to you. Too often, many people decide to marry, have children, buy houses, etc to bring themselves happiness. It will be a heavy burden that most find out all too often is beyond their ability. Children are not pets, or material possessions, and should never be considered as such. Don’t start a family to help yourself….do it to help your community, because what they become will reflect upon you, good or bad.

"Love is the motivation that inspires our best efforts". That's gold right there. Thank you. You are on your way to finishing your race well. Keep up the good work.

Thanks Scott. You mean a lot to a lot of people. Genuine comfort delivered when you post videos. Love you man!

At 35 with no family I’ve been coming to this conclusion. The way you articulate is eye opening and simple. I appreciate it. Love the video. I personally always remember a line from the HBO show True Detective when Woody Harrelson’s character says, “A man past a certain age without a family, can be a bad thing.” It’s a little more cynical, but it’s always repeated in my head.

You might not see this comment but thank you so much for this video. I'm paying £120 an hour for therapy and what you've just said in 12 minutes resonates with me more than any therapist ever could. I was down, without motivation and thinking of ending it all. The only thing keeping me here was the two faces I see smiling up at me everyday, like I'm their personal hero. The hard work my wife puts in making our home what it is while I'm at work bringing home the bacon. I lost sight of it all by thinking less of myself when I should be thinking less about myself. Thanks once again for your wisdom. You're an inspiration.

Perfect timing for the perfect message. One of the great thing I appreciate about your channel is that you always leave me (and most everybody else I would guess) with a good feeling and a good lesson, whether it be about how to construct something or trick-of-the-trade or life lesson. Your enriching presentations are a soothing balm for frustrating and difficult times. You have earned my deep appreciation for not only your vast level of knowledge but also for being an exceptionally wise yet still humble person Scott. Thank you for making the world that much better.

I hope you know that you posted this at the exact time I needed this.

Vary well said. You put into words what most of us do without thinking why we do it, but do it because it does fulfill something inside us.

What an incredible mentor you are. Your wisdom and thoughtfulness most definitely comes from something bigger than yourself. I am grateful for you and your channel. Thank you, brother 🙏

What an inspiration you are… as a man trying to get into a profession at 36 you have gave me that little push needed here and there thats so critical in this world full of negatives… you showed me the positives time and time again… thank you😁👍

31yo father and husband and I appreciate your guidance and blunt honesty. I tell new people about your channel monthly. Keep spreading the message that what makes a healthy man is by being a hard working, honest, and selfless father/husband. You’re making the world a better place.

You just outlined my thoughts - much better than I have done before! I am 57, retired at 55, financially fulfilled for now and the future - I need nothing and I can do nothing and still be considered very well off - but that is not enough! I like the wolf-at-the-door analogy - I worked so hard to provide for my wife kids, but now the kids are on their own and we are doing fine - so I have no wolf at the door. I am not motivated by money - so as you said my motivation comes from helping others. I continue to invest in real estate - but my satisfaction now comes from seeing others buy a house I remodeled or move into a house that I am renting to them. I have a different WHY now - but it is good why. Whatever you have done for the least of these - you have done for me!

"Breathtaking vistas of your own inadequacies...." Wow. Solid gold.

Scott - You are a very wise man. I found your channel a few years ago and find immense value in all the videos that you produce. Your perspective on life, being a good person, productive individual, construction techniques, etc. is always a great reminder when I am facing a challenge. You always tell us to keep up the good work and I want to reciprocate the advice and encourage you to keep creating your legacy. All of the hard work, effort and energy from you and the entire essential craftsmen team will live on forever. Thanks for all you do!

Every once in a while, you nail it! This is like a conversation with my dad. Thanks for being so thoughtful.

Great chat. And for those who have been stung by a marriage gone sideways, or who have not had the experience to lean into, the love that I think we're talking about here is love of others, more than self. I have said repeatedly, over the last number of years, that service to others is something that has been lost. Too many people are only in search of fulfillment for themselves, and if that happens to help someone else, that is a side effect, not the purpose of the endeavor. We need to put service to others back into the lexicon of human existence. Not just during times of extreme hardship, during the storm that downs the power lines, but every day. We need to look for the opportunities to serve those around us. In our neighborhood, in our community, in towns and cities. There is a lot of need out there and that is a direct result, I surmise, from the self-promoting, self-improving mantra that has permeated this culture so deeply. Like EC said, a service organization, a local church or charity, needs you. Don't use it as a soapbox for your agenda, use it as a true opportunity to selflessly serve others. Try it, I bet you'll find I'm right.

Im 32.I started carpentry out of necessity after getting married and seeing that the house needed so many things to do and we had little money. A year later my first son was born and I continue to learn many skills in different areas of construction. 7 years later I can only be grateful for everything that happened and the person I have become. I really enjoy your wisdom, you are a great man!

This man needs to be the surrogate dad to more young men out there. God bless you, EC.

This channel has brought so much knowledge, wisdom and guidance into my life and as 34 year old builder I am right at this crossroad. It feels so good just to be heard and to kindle a little hope.

RR Building, Kyle, decided he preferred outdoor job and quit his office one and started post frame building business with RU-vid channel. Sometimes we just need a change, once the curiosity is fulfilled. Great conversation topic.

Best video I've seen (from any channel) in a while. I was actually watching this for my desk job (I do carpentry part-time, research part-time), and this father of two with stalwart wife appreciates your reflections and advice immensely! God reward you!

Came for the carpentry lesson, was blessed with a life lesson! I feel humbled, uplifted, encouraged and blessed by your message. Thank you brother.

This last point you made is really it “We become energized and fully human if we can commit ourselves to helping satisfy some of the needs of people around us” I’m a single man but my family and community are deeply important to me. Working for myself has made me feel I have a purpose and a member of my local community. Will I have kids someday? I don’t know. But what I do know is the satisfaction of helping people in or out of your family is unmatched by any other and finding that out at a young age, for that I am grateful.

Thank you, sir! I’ve been a husband for 15 years and a Dad for over 12. I so much needed this fresh dose of perspective. Also really appreciate you and Lewis and Peterson, among others. Keep sharing life giving encouragement and skills as you have. I have watch most of your content and this is the first time I’ve commented. Thank you for who you are, and the way you love people. Thank you for adding value to others and their experiences.

You’re a good man Scott, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and thoughts. The world could certainly use more people like you.

If people get mad and click off it just means there is a hint of truth and its hard to face the reality. Thank you for your honesty

Mis respetos para Usted Seńor!! Me hubiera gustado haber tenido un maestro como usted,. Espero y que los trabajadores que usted tiene, sepan aprovechar a todos los conocimientos que usted tiene!!

The greatest motivator is when you know that you're not just working for your own gain, but that others (family, co-workers, an organization) will benefit as well, that's when you find true purpose and drive.

You are such an amazing person! Thank you. It used to be that I got tired of a job after a year. The last one took more than 22 years and my own business has motivated me for an other 20 years and counting! Stay at it and just get better. I have 6 grandkids now and you are so very on the mark. thank you for your wonderful work.

I am sure I have watched this video 100 times this past year. Thank you Scott for reminding me (I'm sure many others ) why we get up and run our businesses everyday!

This was 13 minutes of profound poetry. Love, family, and heritage are indeed everything, and the primary motivator for a man. Don't let anyone take that from you.

Great video. I think the thing that has kept me going (I’m 40) is the love for what we do. It’s not always there but it’s there most of the time. Of course taking care of my family is top priority. I also think it’s good to take a break once in awhile. Take a week or two off and get out of town. It has worked for me

Looking back with a sixty something perspective on my own work and motivation, you are right on the money! Service to and for others is a great thing and it is just as important in these later days of our lives as it was in the younger years. Thanks for so eloquently putting it out there for others who haven’t completely learned this lesson yet. “Keep up the good work!”

Its so true ,after 30 years as a cabinet maker able to take my shop renovate houses for my son , will do the same for my daughter . At the same time have the freedom to do some of my best work love waking up in the morning. Thanks good video

I'm 51 years old next month, father of 10 kids 19 years to 18 months, and I so needed to hear this today. Man it's easy to forget the whys! Thank you for the reminder!

Amen!! Excellent message my dude👍🏻 I wish more people would spread this information,because it’s the only truth that will save this world 💯👍🏻

You have hit the nail on the head. I had a 40-year military career that I enjoyed, for the most part, but there were many years of pain and suffering along the way. It was my wife and children who kept me focused and motivated during the bad years. I couldn’t imagine giving up or doing anything that would jeopardize my ability to care for my wife and children. They depended on me and I was not going to let them down. Had it not been for them, I would surely have thrown in the towel. I hope that many young men will watch your video and learn from your life experiences.

Just discovered your channel. So glad I did!!! You are so right about the family, love, and sources of motivation. Hard to find the right fit, and some of us have focused on careers instead of family. From my experience, being much older, success is not about financial success and career, but more about significance and the people you leave behind that you have been influenced by your love, generosity, and life experiences….

Thanks Scott for your advice and encouragement. I have watched your videos for many years and never commented but rest assured much of your life's experiences have struck a chord with me too! As a teacher of Industrial Arts specialising in woodworking and carpentry for 30years much of my motivation was derived from seeing my students acquire and eventually master a practical skill. Now as a semi retired man I have started a handyman business where I get to exercise a life's worth of practical skills. It's no longer motivated by the income but rather the love of helping people achieve their goals. As you quite rightly point out love is a great motivator. My two sons are avid fans as well and together we often think "what would the essential craftsman do here?" Thanks and keep up the good work. Howard

Scott I totally agree but you can't forget that you must be happy with what you are doing to stay motivated. I'll give you an example. Since the age of 15 I've been working in the trades and thought that what I've wanted to always do. Up until I got the opportunity to volunteer with my local ems services. That's where I really found out my real passion. Currently I am a EMR (emergency medical responder) aka first responder currently in EMT class. Before doing this I have gotten to the point where I really didn't want to go to work doing construction. Now that I am now working in the medical field I have no issue wanting to go to work. Including getting paged out in the middle of the night while in a dead sleep. Basically what iam getting at is love what you do and it will help you stay motivated

You are truly an inspiration to us all. Thank you for all that you do. Take care!

Thank you Mr. Wadsworth for the wise words. It’s difficult to get up everyday and maybe not do what is “fun”. For those that have this in your life…you are blessed and I’m grateful that you have this in your lives. I’m one of you but have had times when I wanted to put my tools down and walk away. As Mr. Wadsworth stated it has been my family and the commitments I have made that pulled me through. Scott, thank you.

I highly admire your wisdom in this conversation. I've been a contractor in ohio for 25 years and grew up around the trades. I hit that wall a little while back and then realized, I'm not only serving the lord but those around me. Your words were spot on! I really appreciate your demeanor in this. Thanks for the content

As a part-time handyman who often enough runs low on motivation, your timely words are what I needed today. As a Christian, husband, father of two, son, uncle, cousin, Sunday school teacher, and a few other things, this hits them all. Glad and indeed very glad to hear a defense of the family as the building block of society! I have always felt that I can share your videos without any sort of worry over the content; "How to be more productive" being the one most often shared. Keep the faith and keep up the great work!

I have several channels based on how to do this or how to do that but your channel is ultimately a channel of philosophy as much as it is of craftsmanship. Well done, sir. Keep up the great work.

I really enjoy your videos and getting pieces of wisdom that come from years of experience. I’m 31 with my own landscaping company I started at 20. Been through ups and downs. However it continues to grow larger and larger. It has become quite the monster to continue to feed. I find the impact on my employees, the community around me and most of all my family, to be the greatest motivator. The larger it gets. The larger impact I’m able to have. Even though it’s far from perfect, I’m far from perfect, it balances the bad days and my mistakes I make as I learn to see the positive.

I've watched several of your videos. You teach craftsmanship like a pro and you teach life like a good father. You're a good man, Sir!

My goodness, Scott, your words hopefully will resonate with those who could reap the benefits for the right individuals who will certainly find inspiration. How true you are the right life partner will most definitely keep things in perspective. I'm 61, just celebrated our 44th, and my drive has been her and my children 100%... Thank you for all you bring to this social platform.. best wishes

Thank You soo much for taking your precious time to share your love to us, my Dad took us to help him out on construction since little and until I was 32yr, I was a sissy to use the skill saw. Thanks to you I bought a used one and I started using it and has become my favorite tool, I am working on bevel cuts and drop cuts. I had an excuse for everything I didn’t do, now I removed those excuses and noticed my family is admired by the new things I’m developing, thank you soo much and I will work to be like you, not when I get older but as of right now 😊 God Bless You

Well said Scott , AMEN life is tough sometimes , to be honest work is a blessing to be able to have health and ability to do it , you gotta keep the faith and press on to finish the race ! I can speak from experience, after working 46+years, now hoping to retire in just a few weeks. Will mean not stopping but more time and opportunities to serve others, to spend more time with my loving wife of 40 years , family and grandchildren.

A great message. As a Dad to seven, there were many times that's what kept me going. Life is great if you choose to make it great. Hard work is easier when you have someone who appreciates what you do for them.

Love is what it’s all about. Thank you for your passion to share your life with all of us

Wow! That was inspirational. Thank you.

It really helps having a kind Godly crew to work with. You are right having a wife and a bunch of kids is the only motivation that can really go all the way.

Outstanding. My first child is on the way, and I already feel this renewed sense of duty towards the others in my life, and it at the same time, gratifying to me to be working hard for them. Thank you for sharing your take on this with us Scott, it's so very helpful to hear these words from a steady hand and head. All the very best, Josh.