Photo by Mathias Kniepeiss
The past 1 1/2 years have been an absolute whirlwind. We met people and visited places that we couldn’t have imagined even in our wildest dreams. We tackled projects we weren’t sure were even possible, and yet, so much worked out. The last few months have been full of exciting experiences, and I have learned a great deal about people, collaboration, and more. Here is a summary of what I learned on this journey.
Gather Like-Minded People
It doesn’t matter how good you are if you are working alone; you will have a hard time. Find people who have similar dreams, wishes, and goals, and come together. Work on a bigger picture that includes everyone’s dreams and goals in this newly formed community. When you collaborate with like-minded individuals, you benefit from a variety of perspectives and skills that can help you achieve your objectives more efficiently. The synergy created by such a group often leads to innovation and success that would be impossible alone.
Work on Your Stuff but Don’t Miss the Bigger Picture
Focus on your work and projects but always keep your community in mind. Find a common larger goal and support others where you can. Remember, the others are not your employees. It’s okay to ask for help, but don’t co-opt them solely for your own dreams. Do your part, but also contribute to the collective goal. Balancing personal ambitions with communal objectives ensures that everyone feels valued and invested in the group’s success, fostering a supportive and productive environment.
Trust Your Colleagues
Sometimes others have a different approach to certain topics. On this crazy journey, I’ve often thought, “Oh God, I would never do it that way,” but trusted that the other person knows what they are doing and has a plan. If someone has been successful with their approach in the past, trust that they know what they are doing. And if sometimes something doesn’t work out—who cares? Next time will be better. Trusting your colleagues not only empowers them but also builds a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
Try to Avoid People Who Are Not Working for the Community
As success increases, more people will come wanting something. That’s okay, and you can include everyone where possible. But as mentioned before, the community is not made up of employees; everyone has their own wishes and dreams they want to achieve. If someone only takes and doesn’t give, try to quickly distance yourself. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance in relationships, ensuring that everyone contributes to and benefits from the collective effort. This avoids burnout and resentment within the group.
Don’t Get Distracted
With ideas and projects, there are always opinions like “do this or that” before you’ve even started or gone public. If you have a plan or concept, stick to it and follow through. If a concept really doesn’t work after some time, be prepared to make adjustments but avoid getting sidetracked by every new suggestion. Staying focused on your core objectives ensures that your efforts remain aligned with your long-term goals.
Pivot!
If something really doesn’t work out, pivot. This means setting yourself new goals and timeframes. Flexibility is crucial in any project. Being able to adapt and change direction when necessary can save a lot of time and resources. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge when something isn’t working and make the necessary changes to get back on track.
Constantly Re-Invent Yourself
Never stop building or learning. If something new comes along, learn it, play around with it, and see if it can help expand your project or give it a new twist or direction. Innovation often comes from trying new things and stepping outside your comfort zone. Continuously updating your skills and knowledge keeps you and your projects relevant and competitive.
Share Your Resources and Your Success
Don’t push yourself into the spotlight; push the community instead. Often, you have things at home that someone else needs. Share what you can spare. It can immensely help someone else. Sharing resources not only supports those in your community but also fosters a culture of generosity and cooperation. Celebrating collective success builds morale and encourages ongoing collaboration.
Fear Is a Good Indicator of Awesomeness
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years (assuming it’s not a life-threatening danger), it’s that if you feel discomfort or (irrational) fear about something just because it’s new or unfamiliar—do it. Often, the most amazing things come from this. Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to incredible growth and unexpected opportunities. Embrace fear as a sign that you’re on the brink of something potentially transformative.
Go Where No One or Few Have Gone
If everything were easy, everyone would do it, and you would get lost in the crowd. Innovation and progress often come from exploring uncharted territory. By venturing into new areas, you differentiate yourself and create unique opportunities that can set you apart from the competition.
Take Risks
The previous points go hand in hand with this one. Sometimes risk is simply necessary. Calculated risks can lead to significant rewards. While it’s important to be prudent, don’t let fear of failure prevent you from seizing opportunities. Taking risks is often essential for growth and success.
Work Your Ass Off
Yes, there’s no way around it. Hard work is essential. Dedication and perseverance are key ingredients to achieving your goals. Success rarely comes without effort, and being willing to put in the necessary work can make all the difference.
Do What You Love
This may seem like a no-brainer but is super important. If you have fun doing your stuff, it won’t feel like work. You’ll prefer to spend hours working instead of partying or wasting time on things like watching TV or gaming. Passion fuels productivity and creativity. When you love what you do, you’re more likely to stay committed and enjoy the process, which ultimately leads to better outcomes.
Don’t Have Money as Priority No. 1
Yes, money is important, but others will sense if you’re trying to create a cash grab. Focus on the awesomeness of your ideas and projects. Authenticity resonates more with people than purely profit-driven motives. If your primary goal is to create something amazing, the financial rewards will often follow naturally.
Keep Building
Whether it’s haters, critics, or whoever, ignore the noise and stay on your path. New things often face fear, hate, and so on. That’s always been the case. If you have a plan or are convinced of an idea, don’t get discouraged, even if it gets tough sometimes. Persistence is key. Many successful ventures faced significant opposition or skepticism in their early stages. Believing in your vision and continuing to build despite obstacles is crucial for long-term success.
