Christian Ross

On Getting Things Done

A good, quick read from Manton Reece on forging your project(s) ahead and possibly having to sacrifice some things to see them through. I particularly like this little nugget from Gary Vaynerchuck,

“Someone with less passion and talent and poorer content can totally beat you if they’re willing to work longer and harder than you are.”

Upon launching Note & Point last week, I did get a feeling of accomplishment and pride that I hadn’t felt in a while professionally speaking. The ability to take a project from concept to finish in a matter of a few weeks and get the kind of positive feedback we received, it made the idea of doing it again seem much more plausible.

And I didn’t even have to skip a meal.

Jim Coudal, the benchmark

If we’ve ever talked business, you’ve probably heard me talk about not wanting to work for clients. I have a pretty love/hate relationship with clients. I love working with people. But usually only when we’re working together with common goals. I dislike working “for” people. I have the ability to take direction and be led, but I don’t enjoy the situation of just putting your vision down on paper/computer. I’m hard-headed, I know that.

I think Jim Coudal of Coudal Partners is probably the same type of guy. Although we can push pixels, it isn’t our ultimate passion. In an interview with Design Glut (some nsfw language) he reinforces my desire to find a way to make myself the client.

If it’s a good idea and it gets you excited, try it, and if it bursts into flames, that’s going to be exciting too. People always ask, “What is your greatest failure?” I always have the same answer, “We’re working on it right now, it’s gonna be awesome!”

Now is as good of time as any to push forward with ideas. Giving it another 18-months just publicizes the fact I am afraid to give it a shot.