My grandfather was a simple man who lived as a seasonal carpenter and fisherman. He was meticulous in his carpentry skills. On one occasion, while serving as his diminutive helper, he was about to cut a piece of board when he paused and went back to measure a second time. I said, “but Pop, we already know the measurement.” His response, true to form, came quickly. “My boy, always measure twice, and cut once.”
That little nugget was initially taken literally. As years passed, as did my grandfather, his words often resonate. Of course, in completing odd jobs at home, it has become key advice. But, this was not simply a carpenter’s advice; these were words to live by.
In matters of dealing with others, where decisions rest on your shoulders, “measure twice, cut once”, can serve as a guide to consider all sides before deciding, to reflect on a conversation before drawing a conclusion. Just like an unusable piece of wood that has been hastily cut, revisiting all aspect, by measuring twice, can bring about more grounded decision making.
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