Craftsmanship

I’m obsessed with it. I remember in 2009 I visited Salvador Dalí’s studio in Catalonia. Witnessing the master’s workspace left me awestruck. The most impactful artists, I realized, share an intense emotional connection with their work. It’s not just about creation itself, but about merging your entire being with the work you create.

This, to me, is the essence of achieving flow in your work. It’s about honing your skills, perfecting your craft, and pouring your heart and soul into what you do. I recall reading Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour rule years ago. As an entrepreneur, I’ve long surpassed that milestone. Now, I don’t waste time trying to impress anyone; my sole focus is on creating the best possible work I can.

To stay inspired, I’ve made my work deeply personal. I tackle projects that challenge me, and provide a sense of autonomy and independence. Many tech entrepreneurs today measure success by getting funding or being accepted into an accelerator. But let’s face it: there’s no such thing as a free lunch. When you take investors’ money, you’re essentially selling a piece of your creative soul. I’d rather maintain my independence, just like George Lucas, who fought tooth and nail to preserve his creative autonomy.

Listening to Lucas’s autobiography, I was struck by his unyielding commitment to creative freedom. I’ve reached a point where autonomy is my most prized possession. I do what I want, without answering to anyone else’s expectations. Every day, I get to pursue the intellectual pursuits and projects that excite me, and that freedom is the source of my daily inspiration. And yes it’s very uncomfortable but that is where your true edge is located.