How to dig your own hole (or become an expert in anything) in 10 steps
I’m digging a trench. Not only that, but a trench through ground which is more stone than soil. I’ve been digging, hacking and thinking… about the nature of expertise. First, here are my 10 steps to a successful trench experience:
- Gather together a pick axe, a shovel with a point, some work gloves & a large bottle of water.
- How wide is your trench? If it is going to be any deeper than a shovel handle it will need to be the width of your body so that you can get into the thing.
- Use a rope to peg out the trench (it is very easy to make a wonky trench, and difficult to set straight).
- Remove the turf or otherwise mark the layout of the trench. Don’t use rope as this will get in the way if you leave it there.
- Start digging. Do not dig downwards. If you dig straight down, it will then be difficult to dig along the trench and the hole you have dug will fill with rock and earth you’ll have to dig out again.
- Dig at a gentle gradient - a concave with a 30% slope should do nicely.
- Remember to drink the water
- Dig and think. Digging is the ideal balance to mental work. In an ideal world I would work 50% on the computer & 50% physical labour.
- On your first day, don’t dig for too long. Your muscles are learning a new trade, so a couple of hours is a good start.
- Take advice from someone who has done this before. Anyone can write anything on the Internet. I’m just now digging my first hole, so why listen to me?