I am a wood turner; I make wooden bowls on a lathe. Turning bowls has technical and stylistic challenges. My blocks of wood have several challenges: grain patterns in many directions, checks and cracks, branches, crotches, bark inclusions, worm holes, rot, and occasional nails.
I must recognize and deal with all these challenges. They can be shaped into the design of the bowl, removed by turning away the difficult wood, or eliminated by starting on a new block of wood. Not recognizing these challenges is a failure.
I sign the bottom of every one of my finished bowls. My signature identifies me as the artist. It says that this bowl is the best I can do right now. I take responsibility for all flaws and errors in the bowl. Every finished bowl stimulates me to make a better bowl the next time.
But “signing your work” is much more than signing the bottom of bowls.
I assert that every action you do in life bears your signature: making a bed, cleaning a toilet, cooking bacon, folding laundry, and washing a car. You are the creator of these actions. You can do a sloppy or incomplete job, or an excellent job. It is your choice.
By performing your work or doing your task, you have “signed your work.” Your figurative signature means that you are proud of it, it is the best that you can do right now, and with concentration and practice, you can do it better in the future. You accept and take responsibility for any mistakes, errors, or omissions.
“Signing your work” also applies to your intangible work, not just physical tasks. In interpersonal relations, you are “signing” your interactions with others; that means you speak the truth, keep your promises, accept responsibility when you insult or offend someone, and take actions to resolve these offenses.
Your verbal interactions belong to you. Any careless phrase, flippant remark, thoughtless humor, or implied insult bears your signature. You can improve your reputation by “owning” the flaw, apologizing to the offended party, and learning from the experience. Your signature now applies to a completed process.
“Signing your work” takes your personal integrity to the next level: It establishes your reputation and authenticity. It causes other people to trust you and depend on your excellent work.
The reputation gained by “signing” is “your brand.” Doing less than excellent work destroys your brand. Regaining it may be hard. A task not completed or done poorly cannot be tolerated.
There is a secondary gain: Trust in your actions and words. Take every opportunity to physically sign your name to your completed work.
You are defined by your decisions not to do specific actions as well. You sign these decisions. They make you who you are. I don’t drive at 100 mph, own a gun, or skydive. It’s not a matter of right or wrong; I do what is right for me, and I sign it.
Create Your Personal Portrait
Be an artist with the strokes of your life. With each action, you create your own portrait with care, consideration, and contributions. Your work with others offers honesty, engagement, and encouragement. You are constantly creating your image with the excellence of your actions and the positive impact of your words. Your image and reputation are your brand — your persona and authenticity.
“Signing your life” can become the center of your ethical behavior, your core and “inner GPS.” It can define your person, your behavior, and your interactions with others and the world. In short, you are being positive, supporting others, and improving everything and everyone you touch. It defines who you are as a person.
This concept has dramatically improved my decision-making process. My decisions are faster, less conflicted or ambiguous, and without remorse. My decisions are right for me and the situation at hand. So, here is your life’s credo:
“In EVERYTHING you do in life, do it with EXCELLENCE, and SIGN IT.”
This is my work, and I am proud of it. Signed: Spence Borden.