The Art of Business: Starting Fresh in 2005
I used to be a student of the martial art of Tai Kwan Do. Within time, I learned how to execute punches with an impressive snap. And any kick I executed with my left leg was sharp and forceful. But my right-leg kicks were pitiful, weak, anemic, and painful to watch.
“What can I do?” I asked my sensei. He was a black belt without a seeming flaw or weakness in his practice, and he wore his mastery with the serene humility of a master. He turned to me and said, “Work hard to improve your weaknesses until they become your strengths.”
I left Tai Kwan Do shortly thereafter for reasons I can’t recall, certainly before I made any appreciable improvements to my right kick. But I’ve never forgotten his sage advice. And whenever I feel frustrated by my inability to get something done well, I make painful efforts to sweep away the ego, and take whatever steps are necessary to address my weaknesses with hopes I can make them my strengths. My long list of current faults is testimony to the mixed results I’ve achieved during the application of this principal.
With this preamble, I humbly offer my resolutions for 2005, with hopes that they may serve as inspiration for you to take the sensei’s advice and make strong the weaknesses that prevent you from reaching your professional goals.
- I resolve to take more time researching.
The Internet may be deep but my tendency is to surf wide. As a result, I often miss key pieces of information that would have saved me time or money or helped me to help my clients more effectively. I also know that the Internet is but one slice of life and I resolve to spend more time with books, attending industry events, and seeking the advice of others before coming to fast conclusions. - I resolve to strive for excellence in all I do.
Sounds Boy Scoutish, I know, but when I think back on my life and career, all my personal satisfaction comes from things that at first seemed impossible, took an inordinate amount of will power, and required far more work than I ever anticipated. But the blood and sweat was always worth it, even if it didn’t feel that way at the time. Hence, I resolve to strive for the impossibly great with the understanding that I’ll probably reach the acceptably good. My consolation will be in knowing that had I strived for the acceptably good, I would have ended up with the simply passable. - I resolve to spend more time learning my craft.
I’ve been a professional writer for 20 years, every day making a living tapping out words on a keyboard. But often I feel like a journeyman. This year I resolve to spend more time seeking out those I respect, taking classes, and reading books about the art of writing. But more so, I resolve to take the time to stop and learn at the moment a lesson is necessary, even if the delay shoots holes through my schedule and threatens my deadlines. - I resolve to talk to my clients more.
And I’ll start by asking for their feedback, because they know me and my work better than I care to believe. I’ll create opportunities to let them voice their opinion and criticisms and I promise to take their thoughts and suggestions seriously. - I resolve to become a teacher.
From time to time, I’m approached by a young person just starting out as a creative professional and I’m always happy to spend the time giving my two cents worth. But I’m ready to take the show on the road and start teaching classes or finding some more formalized way to impart the knowledge I’ve gained through the years. It’s not all altruistic; nothing makes me feel better than sharing my wisdom, for what it’s worth.
Five resolutions — probably four too many, but I’ll give it a try and report back to you in a year. And as we roll into 2005, I challenge you to make a list of your weaknesses, turn them into strengths, and watch the flowers bloom.
This article was last modified on December 14, 2022
This article was first published on January 3, 2005
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