Mind of a Maker
A daily blog inspired by Matthew Dicks
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”
To become better at something, you have to practice. What better way to become a better writer and storyteller than to practice by making a habit of writing daily?
In this daily blog, we’ll discuss Maker-related topics as well as what inspires projects, including YouTube videos, Movies, TV Shows, Disney, Star Wars, LEGO, Books, and more. Everything is on the table, and nothing is off-limits.
Disclaimer: The thumbnail images featured on this blog are often AI-generated. See Disclosure page for more information.
Being A Maker Requires You To Be Uncomfortable
In 2021, I was so overwhelmed with a project, that I almost quit making things online.
The Number 1 Thing New Makers Struggle With On Their First Project (And How To Get Past It)
When I decided I wanted to be a maker, I did my research, got some tools, and wrote down ideas, but didn’t actually make something for months.
The Secret To My Maker Creativity? Star Wars!
A few years ago, I was in a creative slump with no projects I was excited about. Today, I have a massive list of projects I am excited to build and not enough time to work on them all. How? By rewatching Star Wars.
Want To Improve Every Aspect Of Your Life? Start MAKING Things!
Making things has improved my relationship with my wife, my enjoyment of entertainment and travel, and even my full-time job.
How I Decided To Make Custom LED Lighting
Why I decided to ditch the jarring overhead lighting and create my own.
Tired Of Boring Overhead Lighting? Create Your Own Custom Lights By Learning Arduino To Ditch The Jarring Overhead Lights, Program LED Strips, And Integrate LEDs In Your Builds
What's the alternative to jarring overhead lighting? Making your own with a micro-controller and LED strips
3 Reasons Disney Dominates Theming For Makers Who Want To Theme Projects To Create Their Own Immersive Environment
Disney hods a special place in my Maker’s heart. They are amazing at theming the various areas of their parks. Once you start to pay attention, you’ll find all kinds of areas to inspire your next project.
How To Theme Your Projects As A Maker Bored Of “Just” Solving Problems
If you're a Maker who is bored of "just" solving problems, try unleashing your creativity by theming them!
1 Habit All Successful Makers Have In Common
Most successful people share the same handful of things in common:
They are disciplined with their time
They know how to stay focused on one goal at a time
They have mentors and other influential people they can turn to for advice
They have mastered one (or multiple) valuable skills
Etc.
But most successful Makers have this 1 habit in common:
3 Easy Steps To Streamline Your Project Workflow
As Makers, we want to make a ton of different projects. One of the best ways to set yourself up to make more projects more quickly is to streamline your project’s workflow.
Why You Shouldn't Buy High-End Tools When First Starting To Make Things
When I first started Making things, I spent countless hours on YouTube watching other Makers. I wanted to do what they did, so researched the tools they used, but that was a mistake.
How I Discovered Solution Projects And Themed Projects Are Better When Combined
I love solving problems. So when I started Making things, I started trying to Make my own solutions to problems, but something was missing.
How I Got Interested In Making Things
After being completely burned out in my corporate job, I went down the YouTube rabbit hole of Makers.
Feeling Unfulfilled In Your Remote Job? 3 Basic Steps To Creating Your Ideal WFH Environment
Are you working a remote, full-time job, but are left feeling unfulfilled?
3 Topics I am Exploring In My Life Right Now
3 things I’m thinking about a lot these days are DIY Smart Home Devices, Writing Online, and Theming Projects Like Disney World.
Why I’m Starting to Write Online
I recently signed up for Dickie Bush & Nicholas Cole’s online course, Ship 30 for 30. Here are a few reasons why.
Analysis Paralysis
Overanalyzing everything keeps me stuck in a cycle of indecision and guilt, but this blog is my step toward breaking free—because living with "what if" is far worse than taking imperfect action.
Let the Epic Projects Begin - I Finally Got a 3D Printer
I finally took the plunge into 3D printing with a Black Friday deal, and I can't wait to start creating custom Star Wars-inspired greeblies—here’s why I’m excited and how I plan to make the most of this new tool!
I Love Movies
Movies have been a lifelong passion of mine, inspiring projects and shaping my creativity—now I’m diving into movie reviews, starting with a couple of recent releases and my all-time favorites like Star Wars and Marvel.
AI in Making Things
What if you had a personal AI assistant in your workshop—a Star Wars-inspired droid or Iron Man's JARVIS to help with measurements, inventory, and more? Here's how I'm exploring this game-changing idea.