Working Too Much, Building Systems & Mac Miller
Why I'm choosing to document, not create.
Hi friend,
Changing the format here a bit.
Going from writing —> documenting.
Was feeling the pressure of coming up with “worthy” ideas to talk about. And while that may be a useful exercise for someone trying to build an audience, that is not my goal.
After talking to a friend last night (hi Louis), I realized my goal is to just capture the nothingness that happens day to day.
When (not if) this business (or businesses) is successful and I am rich, I’ll remember the big moments, but I likely won’t remember the small one. Yet, the big moments wouldn’t be possible without the forgettable moments.
Everything is a part of the journey.
I’ve also changed the title from The Unsexy Business to Should Be Easy.
Should Be Easy is an inside joke I have with my business partner. We always say that new projects we take on “should be easy”.
They never are.
Thought it was suiting for this venture too.
Anyways, here’s a few thoughts from this week.
“You work too much.”
I’ve heard that from my mom many times this year.
She’s probably right.
It’s the offseason (landscaping in Ontario = March —> December) and I’m still working 10-12 hour days regularly.
The offseason is supposed to be a time to take your foot off the gas and relax. And while we have been physically relaxing, we’re certainly not working any less.
I kind of like it, though.
Working hard feels good. And until recently, I can’t say I’ve worked very hard. Like, truly hard.
It’s nice to know what your capable of. And it’s nice to move the standard too.
Working 14 hours used to ruin me, but now, it doesn’t bother me all that much. Not sure if that’s a good thing or not.
Anyways, the goal this offseason is to build out our systems as much as possible in order to allow us to dedicate all of our time to marketing and sales.
Logistically, that means writing a ton of documents (thank you, Google Drive).
We are constantly asking ourselves a couple questions.
What went wrong last season? Why?
How can we solve it?
What needs to happen for us to not work in field?
Right now, we are building out all the resources necessary to make sure our crew leads (the guys who run the trucks and crews for us) are set up for success.
I think we are making solid progress, but I am worried about the implementation of these documents.
Will half of them even see the light of day?
Is this just busy work to make us feel productive?
What actually moves the needle?
I’m not sure we know the answer to that. I guess you never do.
I’ll let you know in a few months.
On repeat this week
Forever - Big L (ft. Mac Miller & Pale Jay)
There’s a handful of rap songs that make me feel like a little kid again. This is one of them.
I can’t quite put my finger on what it is. I think it has something to do with the instrumental. 90’s drums + piano perhaps? Think Heard ‘Em Say by Kayne
Anyways, I can’t say I know much about Big L, but I do love Mac Miller. This is obviously an old verse of his and based on the intro, it’s clear that Big L was one of Mac’s heroes growing up.
It made me happy this song was on this album.
I’m sure Mac would have loved that.
Until next time, try not to take life too seriously.
Talk soon,
Devin
