Rework

Let me invite you into a story—a gentle unraveling of what you thought you knew about business and work. Imagine sitting by a window on a quiet evening, a cup of tea in hand, as I share with you the wisdom that changed how I see the world. We’ve been taught to follow the rules, to trust in business plans, to believe that failure is a badge of honor and that the 'real world' is a place where dreams go to die. But what if I told you that these are just stories others have handed down, and that you have the power to write your own?

In the world of Rework, the first lesson is to challenge the traditional wisdom that surrounds us. The so-called 'real world' is often a graveyard for new ideas, a place where pessimism reigns and where people say, 'That will never work.' But the truth is, the real world is just an excuse, a projection of other people’s fears. It’s not your reality unless you let it be. When you trust your instincts and refuse to be dragged down by others’ doubts, you open yourself to possibilities they can’t even see.

Now, let’s talk about planning. We’re told to plan everything in detail, to map out every step before we begin. But plans are little more than guesses. The market shifts, competitors appear, technology evolves, and your best-laid plans can become irrelevant overnight. Instead of clinging to a script, learn to improvise, to adjust as you go, and to make decisions based on what you know right now. The freedom to change course is a gift, not a weakness.

There’s another myth we need to shed: that failure is the best teacher. Yes, mistakes can be instructive, but what truly moves you forward is understanding what works. When you succeed—even in small ways—you gain the knowledge and confidence to do it again, and better. Nature itself builds on success, not on failure. So celebrate your wins, however modest, and use them as stepping stones.

Consider this: most business plans end up forgotten, gathering dust in some drawer. The real breakthroughs come when you act, observe, and adapt. Every great business story began with someone who dared to ignore the naysayers and tried something new, even if it broke the rules.

As you let these ideas settle, you’ll see that the world isn’t as rigid as it seems. You can choose to challenge, to adapt, and to build on your own successes. And with that, let’s journey onward to explore why small can be beautiful and why growth isn’t always the answer.