Project vs. Passion | 2021 summarized + my promise to you
2019 was a successful year for me and my business. I was doing multiple accent walls every week, revenues were great and I hit the business and finance goals I set for myself months earlier than expected. But despite these amazing accomplishments I felt overwhelmingly tired, burnt out, and uninspired.
Although I was doing something that I am passionate about, I quickly learned that you can also be burned out by doing the things that you love.
Success at a Cost
When you turn your passion into a business, the unfortunate reality for some is that your passion is replaced by money as the bottom line. So you become as efficient with your time as possible because time = money. So the game becomes -“what projects/products/processes can I do that make the most money for the least amount of time?”
New designs, complicated projects, or more difficult processes may be passed up on because figuring out new concepts can take up more time than your established money makers, therefore it becomes a business hazard.
Despite being financially successful, that’s how I felt last year. One project after the other in a long grinding manufacturing line. I was just churning out projects for the sake of business at the cost of my passion.
My Promise to You
This year, I want to change my priorities. This year, I don’t mind making less money so I can make more time to do projects that challenge and excite me. I want to take the extra time to take chances to improve my craft. That’s what I’m passionate about - improving my craft.
For this matte black slat wall, I tried a new creative design installation process I’ve been eagerly wanting to explore with the goal of providing a better-finished product for my client.
I probably was not as efficient with my time for this project because I was figuring out a new design, but ill improve on the time efficiency of the process moving forward.
But I explored new techniques, improved my craftsmanship and I am confident and proud that I provided a finer quality product to my client. And personally- I had A LOT of fun! And I think that passion and enjoyment are reflected in the final product.
I’ll admit, I may have underpriced myself on this project in the calculus of the amount of time I put into it. But for this result? I don’t mind.