When I get to the next level…
What does that mean? Everyone says it. “When I get to the next level I am going to…”. What is so great about the next level? I’m talking about the “business” next level. King Design has been in existence for 8 years now and we’ve definitely gone through multiple levels. Level one was my first real paying job. I think it was a logo design. What’s crazy is I remember thinking, while working on that logo, “I can’t wait to get to the next level”. I’m not sure what my idea of the next level was at the time but it probably looked like a couple of logo projects and maybe a website thrown in for good luck.
By the time I reached the next level I was dreaming of its older brother. The brother with a couple corporate projects and maybe an employee or a partner along the way. Well, I reached that level and continued to dream of the next. Recently someone asked me why I want to go to the next level. For the first time I wasn’t quite sure what it looked like and I certainly couldn’t tell them why I’d want to go there. For the first time I took a step back and really thought about the level we’re at. I asked myself “What’s wrong with the level we’re at now?”
Why does every business book tell you to go higher. Get to the next level. That’s a lot of pressure. And how can you possibly enjoy the ride when you’re always thinking of what’s next.
I couldn’t have imagined when I was working on my first project that I’d be where I am today. What makes this level better than what I imagined is my frame of mind. I’m content. Our firm could be making more money. We could have more clients, a larger team, a bigger studio, with cooler gadgets. I could be at a place where I’m no longer working in the business but only on the business. I hope I’m never just working on the business. I love working in the business. That’s why I do this.
I was working late last night on a rush project and I was loving it. I was lost in the process. I said “this is why I do what I do”. I caught myself with my tongue sticking out of my mouth like I used to do as a kid when I was concentrating really hard on a drawing. Bottom line, success is contentment. I urge you to stop listening to what other people think success is and take a hard look at where you are and what you have. Teach yourself to be content and to enjoy everyday for what it is. Chances are you’re doing just fine and there is no reason to go to another level.