Innovation is Priceless
The more I think about it, the more it seems that pioneers are almost never in it for the money. The smart ones figure out how to take a remarkable innovation and turn it into a living (or a bigger than big payout) but not the other way around. I think the reason is pretty obvious: when you try to make a profit from your innovation, you stop innovating too soon. You take the short payout because it’s too hard to stick around for the later one.
When I read Seth Godin’s “Doing it for free” post, I couldn’t help but think, “Yes! Exactly! Innovation is priceless! Innovation is a passion!”. This was an excellent reminder for me to focus on what I’m passionate about and not the potential profit. While money is nice and all, I really don’t want to think about that in relation to what “drives” me. Deep down I would like to make a handsome sum off at least one of my ideas in order to become “independently wealthy”, thus allowing me to focus on my passions without worrying about where the money to pay the bills is going to come from. But I do not want that desire to hold any weight when it comes to the pursuit of my passions. So if the money never comes, so be it. I’ve got ways to make ends meet and my passions can be pursued at a slower pace if necessary.
So thank you for the reminder Seth! I seriously needed that.
