How do you stay excited about woodworking year after year? That might seem like a funny question to those of you who don’t make a living at this as I do, those who are still discovering the joys of wood and new tools, with endless projects to build. But any of us can get bored making 18 paneled doors, or distracted by so many other ways to spend a weekend.

After three decades of working wood, I still can’t wait to get into the shop in the morning. One of my secrets is to make sure each day is different. From finishing to turning, inlay, carving, and so on, furniture making is endlessly challenging and vast in scope. So push yourself with each project to try a new technique, attempt a new design, or use new materials. You’ll be very engaged. Lately I’ve been forming some copper and brass feet, which I’ll send out for gold-plating. It has been difficult but lots of fun. Experiment and try things you have read about. Maybe you get excited about devising new jigs or thinking up more efficient or better ways of doing typical tasks. New ways of working sometimes lead to frustration, but they keep furniture making interesting and fun for me.

My second tip is to get connected to peers. It’s a great way to share knowledge and stay inspired. Join a guild, start your own woodworking group with friends, go to a conference such as the ones The Furniture Society and Colonial Williamsburg put on, or take part in an online forum. It will expand your awareness of all that’s going on and spark some new interests. You’ll find unusual sources for wood, parts for an outdated machine, or a new finishing recipe. And put your work out there in an exhibition. There’s nothing like having your work seen by your peers to push you to do your best—because they know.

Even if you love woodworking, too much of a good thing can feel like another job. Long weeks burn me out. There are ways to enrich your woodworking without being in the shop. Spend a day at a museum, read about the history of furniture or art, take a walk and look at architecture, or visit that new home-design store in town. You never know where inspiration will come from. Breaks like these always bring me back to my work with new energy, new ideas, and a clear head.