How to Make 2024 a Successful Year - Lessons from Freemasonry
Charlie Gee is a stonemason. He makes videos online showing how we transforms shapeless masses into things of beauty. Extremely talented and highly skilled, Charlie’s work is nothing short of amazing. His videos online have hundreds of thousands to millions of views.
→ Watch Charlie’s Youtube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@charlie.gee__
But, there is a lesson to be learned by watching his videos. No, there is no talking or instruction, just silence, and watching this master of his craft work. As they say a picture is worth a thousands words. You can distill some significant lessons from just observing what he is doing. Here are the lessons from his videos, that are taught in our ceremonies, just as our operative forefathers had observed and learned, that you can apply to make 2024 a successful year.
1. Learn to Master Your Craft
Picture this: You're aiming to become a master in your field, just like Charlie Gee. But remember, mastery isn't a title you earn overnight. It's a journey. Charlie didn’t wake up one day as a master stonemason. He invested time and effort, consistently over years. The real mastery in any field is subtle. It's not about flashy titles or external validation. It's reflected in your actions, your dedication, and the quality of your work. So, for 2024, focus on honing your skills. Mastery is a quiet journey of persistence and dedication.
2. Precision and Planning
Every time Charlie approaches a new piece of stone, he has a clear plan in his mind. He knows exactly what he wants to create. In his videos, you’ll notice there’s no randomness in his strikes. Each hit is intentional, part of a bigger picture. For us, it's a reminder: plan your moves. Be precise in your goals and intentions for the year. Random efforts lead nowhere. It’s the deliberate, well-thought-out plans that bring about real change.
3. Small Efforts are Greater than Big Efforts
Watch closely. Charlie uses a series of small, precise taps with his gavel and chisel. He doesn’t rely on big, dramatic strikes to shape the stone. It's a crucial lesson. In life, as in stone carving, it’s the small, consistent efforts that really count. They add up over time, leading to significant achievements. Don’t chase the grand gestures; embrace the power of small, consistent actions.
4. Gradual and Incremental Work
Charlie’s approach is methodical. He doesn’t carve aiming for the final outcome straight away. He starts from the top and works down, layer by layer. It’s about gradual progress, not instant results. This method teaches us patience and the value of incremental work. Don’t rush for the end goal. Take it step by step. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
5. The Right Tool for the Right Job
In his toolkit, Charlie has multiple gavels and chisels, each for a specific part of the job. He knows that one tool doesn’t fit all. Similarly, in life, we need different tools and skills for different challenges. What worked in one situation may not work in another. It’s about adaptability and choosing the right approach for each unique challenge. As you navigate through 2024, remember to adapt and choose your 'tools' wisely to effectively tackle different aspects of your life and work.