Woodworking New Year’s Resolutions That Actually Make You a Better Woodworker
Every January, we swear this is the year the shop stays clean, every tool gets put back, and every project is finished on time. We make these promises while standing next to a pile of offcuts we’re definitely “saving for later” and a chisel that hasn’t seen a stone since last summer. Before reality sets back in, let’s talk about woodworking New Year’s resolutions the kind that might actually survive past the first trip to the lumberyard.
The start of a new year has a way of making us pause and take stock. In the shop, that usually means looking around at half-finished projects, dull tools, and a growing list of ideas we swear we’ll get to “someday.” New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be grand or unrealistic to be meaningful. The best ones are simple habits that slowly make you a better woodworker over time.
Resolve to Build Fewer Projects, but Build Them Better
It’s tempting to chase productivity, more projects, more sales, more output. But quality has a compounding effect. Choose a few projects this year that deserve your full attention. Take the time to refine joinery, improve surface prep, and think through design decisions before the first cut is made. One well-executed piece will teach you more than five rushed ones.
Resolve to Sharpen More Often
A sharp tool changes everything. It improves accuracy, reduces frustration, and makes woodworking safer. Make sharpening a normal part of your workflow instead of something you do only when a tool becomes unusable. A few minutes at the stones before starting a project often saves hours of fighting tear-out and poor cuts later.
Resolve to Learn One Skill Deeply
Instead of dabbling in everything, pick one skill to focus on this year. It might be hand-cut dovetails, working to a knife line, chair joinery, or finishing techniques. Go deep. Study it. Practice it intentionally. Mastery comes from repetition and attention, not variety.
Resolve to Stop Over-Sanding
There’s a long-standing myth that everything needs to be sanded to extremely fine grits to look good. In reality, good surface preparation starts with sharp tools and clean cuts. Learn when sanding is necessary and when it’s simply hiding problems upstream. Your finishes will look better, and your work will retain more character.
Resolve to Finish Projects Thoughtfully
A finish should protect the work and enhance the wood, not bury it. This year, slow down during the finishing stage. Test finishes on scrap. Apply thinner coats. Pay attention to how the surface feels, not just how it looks. A well-chosen, well-applied finish can elevate even the simplest project.
Resolve to Keep Your Shop Safer and More Organized
You don’t need a perfect shop, but you do need one that works for you. Commit to small improvements that reduce clutter and improve safety. Better lighting, clearer walkways, and a habit of putting tools back where they belong all add up. A calm shop leads to calmer, more focused work.
Resolve to Document Your Work
Take photos. Write notes. Keep track of what worked and what didn’t. Over time, this becomes a personal reference library that’s far more valuable than you might expect. It also makes it easier to see how much your skills have improved when you look back a year from now. I need to work at this myself.
Resolve to Enjoy the Process
Woodworking isn’t just about the finished piece. It’s about time at the bench, the feel of a sharp plane, and the satisfaction of solving problems with your hands. Make room for enjoyment. Not every project has to be optimized, monetized, or shared. Sometimes the best work you do is the work no one else ever sees.
As the new year begins, set resolutions that respect the craft and your own pace. Small, intentional changes in how you work can quietly transform your skills over time. Here’s to a year of better cuts, cleaner joinery, and more satisfaction in the shop.
