Bootstrap (n): group of metaphors that share a common meaning, a self-sustaining process that proceeds without external help
Here's my latest post over at HBR; and some additional thoughts.
When we scrabble, we are daring, aren't we?
I, perhaps like you, get discouraged on occasion, but don't our dreams come true often enough that we don't give up? And every once in awhile even, opportunities to dream come unexpectedly.
Regardless, I am believing more than ever that the 'making do' that we do, the time it takes for dreams to happen, is a gift. If we get everything we think we want, I'm not sure we'd know what to make of opportunities when they do come, and rather than seeing our possibilities continue to expand, perhaps they would diminish.
What are your thoughts?
Do you agree with my premise that women are much better bootstrappers than the data from Entrepreneur Magazine would suggest?
How has learning to make-do helped you be able to do more?
I think that if we got what we want right when we wanted it we would become spoiled and then we wouldn't appreciate the good stuff as much as we should.
Posted by: Rose | January 12, 2010 at 05:30 PM
while it's good to have to work hard for things you want, i think that too much "making do" can have the opposite affect. that it can sap one of the will to keep dreaming and striving for what you want, because of the "what's the point" factor.
or, it can force you to follow a different path (eg: you having to drop out and work for a year), which can open up new ideas and opportunities. but you have to have get at least a little bit of what you want in life in order to keep on going.
my comments aren't necessarily directed at the workplace; just life in general.
Posted by: Blue | January 12, 2010 at 10:07 PM
Blue and Rose --
It's about striking the balance isn't it? If we get too much of what we want, then we don't value it, but if we don't get enough, then we do give up. It's true for us with our dreams. It's true as children OR as parents.
Thanks to you both for weighing in.
Posted by: Whitney | January 12, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Parameters promote creativity.
The Work*Life*Balance inaugural post on this topic inspired our family. We couldn't foot the bill for all of the sailing we wanted to do, so we leveraged our sailing certifications and dock tests to get boats and then split the costs with friends who would otherwise not be able to sail at all. win-win.
http://chrysula.blogspot.com/2009/07/odd-bedfellows-scarcity-creativity.html
Posted by: Emily O | January 13, 2010 at 04:44 PM
What a great example Emily! I went back and read Chrysula's inaugural post; thank you for reminding me. It's excellent. And I love what you did with your sailing certifications. A perfect example of bootstrapping! Of scarcity and creativity make perfect bedfellows!
Other examples anyone?
Posted by: Whitney | January 13, 2010 at 08:30 PM
When I first started my tutoring company, I wanted a space that would accommodate 4-5 tutors at a time - so that the company could grow with the space (given that commercial leases in Manhattan are 10 years). However, I needed more capital to do so.
After complaining to a friend one night over the phone during the throes of my fundraising efforts that I "couldn't" start my business fully because I needed a space customized to my "dream" and I didn't have the resources to do it (blah, blah, blah), he simply replied, "Well, you've just got to get a space with the money you've got."
Guess what? I found a space the next day. It was smaller, but as it turns out, perfect for my company's rate of growth.
By just doing with what I had, I saved tens of thousands of dollars in potential loans and eased the burden of a massive monthly lease in the early, cash poor months of business.
Moving forward with what "was" rather than languishing in the "what should be" was the key. That's not to say that we should not aim for the best - the ideal - but, gosh darn it, sometimes you just gotta do with what you've got. And more often than not, it all turns out great.
Posted by: Janna | January 13, 2010 at 09:46 PM
Janna --
This is a terrific example. I would encourage you to post this on the HBR blog. It perfectly illustrates this idea... and who knows you might get some business...
Posted by: Whitney | January 13, 2010 at 11:53 PM
I have an interior design site and I am interested in purchasing a link on your website. Your site looks great and I would love to be part of your blogroll. Or, if you prefer we could exchange links.
If this is possible, could you let me know how much you would charge for a basic text link. My site is located at http://www.genuinestyle.net.
Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing back from you.
Posted by: Kathy Baker | January 15, 2010 at 11:50 AM