Mindset story: Always give it all you got, lessons from the carpenters' last project

There once was an elderly carpenter who had spent his entire life building houses. His hands were rough from years of hard work, and his back ached from the many roofs he had built. But he was proud of what he had accomplished. His houses were known for their quality, and families who lived in them trusted his craftsmanship. One day, the carpenter decided it was time to retire. He had worked for so long, and now he wanted to spend his days resting, enjoying time with his wife, and visiting his grandchildren. He approached his employer, a kind and respected contractor, and shared his decision. The contractor listened carefully, nodding in understanding. He knew the carpenter had earned his retirement, but he also felt a deep sense of loss. “You have been one of my best workers,” the contractor said. “I will miss your skill and dedication. But before you go, would you do me one last favor? Could you build just one more house? Please give it all you’ve got.” The carpenter hesitated. He had already made up his mind to retire. However, he agreed, though not with the same enthusiasm he once had. His heart was not in this project. Instead of using the finest materials, he chose cheaper ones. Instead of paying attention to the details, he rushed through the work. He cut corners, knowing that this would be his last house. He just wanted to finish and move on.

Weeks passed, and the house was completed. It looked fine from the outside, but the carpenter knew the walls were not as sturdy as they should be. The paint was uneven, the wood was not the best quality, and the foundation was not as strong as it could have been. But to him, it didn’t matter. It was his final project, and he was ready to walk away from it all. The contractor arrived to inspect the house. He walked through the rooms, touching the walls and looking closely at the details. He then turned to the carpenter and asked, “Are you satisfied with the work you’ve done on this house?” The carpenter forced a smile and nodded. “Yes, I am,” he said, eager to be done with it. The contractor reached into his pocket and pulled out a key. He handed it to the carpenter and said, “This is your house. It’s my gift to you for all the years we worked together.” The carpenter froze. His heart sank. He stared at the key in his hand, then at the house he had just built. Regret washed over him. If only he had known, if only he had put in his usual effort he would have built a home he could be proud of. Instead, he had been careless. He had built his own home with inferior materials and poor craftsmanship.