And that's the gist of it. You can, and should, learn how to do things in woodworking, new techniques, and new tools, yes. But what woodworking really teaches you, is how to hide, fix, or otherwise make your project still work after you've made some sort of mistake. 

Picture this... You are trying to make a gift for your friend's birthday. His birthday party is on Friday. It's the Friday before, and you've got all  the walnut lumber you need and you've got it all cut down to the right dimensions, the joinery done and assembled, everything is ready for finishing, but one last piece. As you're working on cutting the dovetails, your chisel slips off the board and breaks off the dovetail.

The longer you've been woodworking, the less likely this will happen (because experience really is the best teacher), and if it does, the easier it will be to fix.

I LOVE the problem-solving aspect of woodworking. And in no way am I a motivational speaker or anyone who should be preaching on life lessons found in inconspicuous places, but it really does come on handy in day to day life. Ever hear the woodworker stereotype of being stoic, not excitable, thoughtful, patient, and methodical? Woodworking is a craft that fosters all of those things. 

So my favorite thing about woodworking is..... the problem-solving predicaments we find ourselves in oh so frequently. I love puzzles!

Tell me what your favorite part of woodworking is in the comments below!