New Project: Sprout Creative Studio

I always believe that the only way to get to the top is through business. No matter how hard you devote yourself to a company, at some point there will be no more gap for advancement.

Let's call this my first step of initiatives. 

Me and my friend came up with this idea. Basically the "high end" web design firm out there are charging ridiculous amount for web designing works, while the employees only get to eat a tiny chunk of that profit. Sourcing out from my personal network, I get to realize the potential of this business. Basically we will try to take on projects by providing "corporate quality" works at a much cheaper price tag. At the same time to "grow" together with our colleagues and clients to achieve greater height.

sprout-studio.blogspot.com

The name that we decided to use is "Sprout Creative Studio"

"Sprout" refers to how we are just starting out, and at the same time describes the directions that we hope to achieve. The word "sprout" has a few connotations to it. First, it refers to something new, a fresh idea, and a fresh start. A sprout has only 1 direction to go, which is to grow upward and become stronger. We would like to portray the same image, which is to steadily grow our business to greater height. The last thing that a sprout describe is potential. Even the largest tree in the world was once a sprout.

Do visit our new "temporary" website at http://sprout-studio.blogspot.com/

Work Hard VS Work Smart

We all have a predetermined way of thinking whenever we are faced with obstacles in life.

Sometimes the solution required does not have to be so complicated. Let me share with you one example that really happened in real life. 

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Few years back there was a invention competition for grass cutting machine. The previous design which uses rotating sharp metal blades is deemed to be dangerous. Many people came out with all the innovative design using blade covers, and uniques blade shapes to try to tackle the problem. But everyone was surprised when they annouced the winner who was creative enough to simply replace the metal blade with a nylon stick.

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This simple example teaches us one thing. There is a difference between working hard and working smart. People only judge our performance purely from the result. Doesn't matter whether we put in 10 hours worth of work if other can do the same thing in simply 15 minutes.

To solve a problem effectively, what needs to be done is to simply go back to fundamentals. 

1. Understand the main problem and what you are trying to achieve.

In the sample case earlier, the problem was not "How to design a cover for the rotating blade"

It is actually "How to provide a safer solution to cutting grass"

2. Remove any preconception.

We may have a set of predetermined rules that is blocking our creativity. Most of the time people do not realize this.

3. Think out of the box.

Once the limitations in our mind is removed, we are more able to think creatively.

Just remember, Sophisticated does not mean Efficient.

Directions

People views their life differently. We all wear different "spectacles" in looking at the things around us.

This "spectacle" is something unique that is formed by our past experience and often projects how we were raised to become.

Although there is something called "free will", but we can't deny that our surroundings influence who we are right now. This also creates different perception in how people view their life.

By having different ways of viewing life, we all go through different paths. Each of us are walking through a "direction" which we feel is right one according to our spectacle.

The norm in the society sometimes condemn people who walks different path (do things differently) as compared to the majority. This different way in viewing life, does not necessarily mean that it is wrong. Because in viewing life, there is no absolute standard which can claim itself the correct one.

There are a view categories of people in this world.

1. Those who are chasing after the spiritual side of life.

There are a lot of ways for people to chase after the spiritual side of life. The most recognizable way is when we see monks who have cast away the materialistic side of life. 

Some people focus all their attention in pursuing the spiritual side and neglect the rest, while some others try to focus on different things in life. In the end, it all comes down on each of our standards.

2. Those who are aiming for wealth and materials as their final goal.

Usually people who climb up from difficult background have this as their final goal. Adversity pushes people beyond the limit. Many poor people stay poor, but those who are able to change their destiny will usually go very far.

3. Those with high pride who aims for recognition from others.

This type of people are usually those with high ego. They possess a hunger for recognition and respect from other people. They are usually the type who are easily offended and usually appear very arrogant.

4. Those who are content with love and affection.

In contrast to those who are chasing after wealth and materials, there are few people who are content on spending enough time with the ones they love.

They dont emphasize on having excessive amount of wealth as long as they can provide enough for the well being of their families.

5. Those who have no idea what they want in life.

Surprisingly there are more people who has no idea what they want in life as compared to those who know it. These are the type who work because they have to work, without knowing what they are aiming in life.

Without knowing the goal that we want to achieve, it's difficult for us to determine the direction that we should take.

For most people, we are usually trying to achieve several things in life. Be it spiritual, affection, or wealth. Because all these things constitutes who we are. We rarely see people who are focused solely on one thing.

The key is to know which finish line we are trying to reach.

 "Great people have their eyes fixed on the finish line. The trip may have its ups and downs, but no matter how bumpy the road may be, it will not put them out of route. Because they control the direction of their life."