At Metaphor Racha, any success we've achieved is not solely due to my passion. Instead, it's the collective effort of our valued customers and the dedicated team behind the scenes. While compliments about my "passion for work" are appreciated, the truth is more nuanced.
Practical Goals Over Major Ambitions
I don't have a major, overarching goal for my business, nor do I work tirelessly to achieve it at any cost. Instead, I focus on smaller, implementable objectives and maintain an ambitious mindset. With limited resources, persistence must be balanced with pragmatism.
- Small, implementable objectives: Focus on manageable goals.
- Ambitious mindset: Balance ambition with realistic planning.
- Resource management: Utilize limited resources wisely.
Adaptability Over Persistence
If something isn't working as planned, I don't see it as giving up; I simply revisit it when the time is right. For example, when we tried selling menswear and infant clothing on our website, it didn't work out. We listened to our customers, consulted friends, and made an informed decision to discontinue without being emotional. This isn't the Ostrich effect; it's practical decision-making.
- Informed decision-making: Use logic and customer feedback.
- Pragmatism: Revisit failed attempts at a better time.
- Emotion-free decisions: Avoid emotional attachment to business choices.
The Importance of a Solid Plan
Passion alone cannot compensate for a well-thought-out plan. Being meticulous, I maintain a work flowchart that's almost mathematical, always with plans B and C in place. Simple systems and healthy pessimism have been key to our success.
- Meticulous planning: Maintain detailed work flowcharts.
- Backup plans: Always have plans B and C.
- Healthy pessimism: Balance optimism with realistic expectations.
Passion vs. Practicality
Passion can sometimes pressure us to focus on who we should be rather than striving to be the best version of ourselves. We are more than our work, and it's unrealistic to be passionate about everything we do. Many of my friends aren't passionate about cooking, yet they excel at it. Our studio help isn't passionate about sweeping, but she cleans thoroughly.
- Focus on self-improvement: Strive to be the best version of yourself.
- Realistic expectations: Understand that passion is not always necessary.
- Excellence in everyday tasks: Perform well even without passion.
Understanding Purpose Without Obsession
Passion should be about understanding our purpose without obsessing over the future and neglecting the present. I've seen friends' reckless passion lead to loneliness and unnecessary over-investment, with every failure taken as a personal attack.
- Purpose-driven work: Focus on your purpose without future obsession.
- Avoid reckless passion: Prevent over-investment and personalizing failures.
- Balance: Prioritize both the present and future.
Final Thoughts for Craftpreneurs
Dear craftpreneurs, as I've grown older, I've learned that it's possible to be content without being passionately driven in every aspect of work. Be practical, consistent, and prioritize your health. Passion is blind, but practicality sees clearly.
- Practicality over passion: Embrace a practical approach to work.
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent work ethic.
- Health priorities: Ensure you prioritize your well-being.
Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion, and you are welcome to disagree passionately