Stumbling Along…

I’m always amazed by the people who can focus so diligently on the goal in front of them. Sure, I make progress at whatever I’m after, but I do it so haphazardly that I’m surprised others don’t beat me to the punch every time. I can say that about work, my writing, dance, whatever… I’m motivated, but I’m not the fastest to act or the most persistent. And I’m frequently disappointed by others–probably unjustifiably.

When I read the blog over at 37signals, I’m just astonished. There’s a group of people who are so bright, so motivated, and so focused on what they do. Some people say it’s unheard of that a company of fewer than ten people can leave such an imprint on the internet community. But I know why they’ve made the mark they have. And I’m beginning to become impressed by the fact that it happened at all.

They did because they’re all sharp and motivated people. It’s not that they have good upper management; it’s not that they’ve spent a ton of money on consultants; it’s not that they simply lucked out. No, it’s the people. They’re damn sharp. It’s amazing to me. And I’m jealous; what can I say?

I work with bright people–both my clients and my co-workers are very good at what they do. But the sharpness, the level of intuition, the cogency of communication–how they have people who are so clear and concise at every level simply astounds me. I’m not going to say it doesn’t make sense–once they had a few great people they attracted like-minded individuals–but it’s still amazing that they’ve gotten there.

Sometimes I hate myself when I say certain things to people . I have a tendency to say, “x?? It’s just a basic feature! It’s very common!” or “that’s been around since 97″ or “you really haven’t heard of that?” I expect a lot of people. Too much. I wonder if those kinds of conversations happen at 37signals? Or if everyone is just universally brilliant. I doubt it. But it feels that way sometimes, you know?

Don’t get me wrong–I’m not brilliant. I just have been around the block a few times with a few technologies. I expect that other technologists have been through the same. But others’ experiences are just so different…

Well, anyhow, I guess this post isn’t going anywhere. I’m amazed by the workproduct of some of the smallest companies out there like 37signals. I have to recognize that it’s not just about having “the right people on the bus” but that it’s getting the right people in the right seats. I think I have the right folks but I know that they’re not in the most ideal positions just yet. And to sit comfortably and make the ride an enjoyable one I know that I need to fill a few more seats.

So I guess I’m just stumbling along with my business’ growing pains, and mildly envious of the companies who seemed to have figured it out. Anyways, I’ll just keep putting one foot in front of the other and try to make it all work out….