Monday
Feb092009
The Edge
Posted on 
February 9, 2009 by Ryan Willms
February 9, 2009 by Ryan Willms 
Is there not always going to be money in the world? Recession or not? It's probably safe to say that if you read this blog you are probably not living on the streets and have a bit of money in your bank, or at least have the ability to make some. So why are so many so afraid to spend theirs? I'm not just talking about on wind breakers or chinos, but to actually do something, or make something cool happen. I really do believe that you only live once, and now is probably the best time to do something. There is a pretty great opportunity to do some fun, interesting and cool things in the next couple years. And if you are young, creative and relatively bright (and dressed well), the only person stopping you is probably yourself. I know I have stopped myself at times and I feel like the time is coming to jump off the cliff and take a risk. I have been getting pretty stressed out about costs, start up problems and tons of stuff I need to learn, that I don't know about.But you can't wait forever for that perfect time to make big decisions. I feel that risks are what makes life interesting and fun to live. Whether it's wearing some overalls or starting a business that you really believe in and are passionate about. Of course there are smart choices and there are poor choices, but with a realistic perspective, positive outlook and an actually good idea, you can make something happen. There are lots of people who read this blog who already have taken a jump of a cliff, or maybe a few, but there are going to be more to take in the near future. And for a lot of us we haven't taken the first big one. I definitely have a lot of respect for those who have taken a well calculated jump, it is rare - but I can't imagine anything more exciting.
Tags : The Edge
The Edge 
Reader Comments (29)
Well, my edge is likely different than yours, but I'm definitely eyeing it off.
Ryan, if yours happens to relate to producing clothing or other sewn goods, check out http://www.fashion-incubator.com/ , particularly the archives. (No, not a paid endorsement)
Insurmountable debt would be the first fear for most I would think.
I have made that leap more than once and have come out top regarding experience but not always financially.
No regrets though.
amen
With people continually fed stories about the world in turmoil and people having to choose heat or eating, peoples desire to "risk" it is lessened greatly on a daily basis. People who weren't fearful before, now all of a sudden are greatly affected by the general climate of the world.
That said I have seen 2009 be a great year of inspiration and desire. People seem to be using various avenues to make connections and are seeking out new and interesting sources of inspiration that are leading to some interesting collaborations and products. 2009 seems to be one of those "the best is yet to come" years, and I'm excited.
I do however think this post will reach the 50+ comment mark with tons of hate and accusations running around. I've got my pop corn ready.
I believe that success creates success. And positive energy creates positive things. I also believe that to fail is positive. It means you tried something and have the opportunity to learn. Ryan, your passion, drive and energy are contagious....I can't wait to see you jump off your cliff because I think you are gonna fly.
Ryan,
The only reason I know this blog exists is because I took a risk, put all the very little capital I had into something I believed in both as a product and an artistic endeavor, the desire to exercise my craft. It paid off ten fold in the pleasure I took in creating the thing, the response received from people who could experience it. And even now that the tangible, real world effects of that risk are paying off...
http://tinyurl.com/cda5gc
http://tinyurl.com/abycmc
...I know it all comes down to having with myself the same conversation you've presented here.
Cliff? What cliff? I like to think of it as an ocean. If you risk reasonably, failing won't kill you (this cliff example has always bothered me for seeming so FATAL), you'll just swim back to shore, whether you stroll onto shore or crawl there gasping for air, hands and knees, it's always there. However it ill effects you, should you take the hit on the chin and work diligently to heal it, eventually you'll be back on your feet, ready to risk again.
Yeah...as you accumulate responsibilities in life -- children, property, salary -- risk becomes more and more..."risky." But right now, for what I assume to be the age/generation of the average reader of this blog, the time to risk is now.
-b
Re: M's comments -
fluffy clouds, cute bunnies, and newborn babies.
Chris, you definitely should have included puppies. Far more cute than babies I think.
I think there are a lot of people who could be flying, a lot are already, and I guess thats also part of the inspiration to jump.
There is a difference between taking a risk (something that YOU control) and being put at risk (at someone else's control). People are legitimately worried about losing their jobs. 600,000 people lost theirs in January alone. When that happens, people save their money, and that's the smart thing to do. When you take a risk, you control the timing of that risk and the conditions under which you take it. When you get laid off, you don't have a say as to the timing. All of this is not to say don't take a risk. Good for you that you're fortunate, creative and talented enough to be doing so now. But don't be too hard on those who are worried about their future and have to save their pennies in case someone else decides it's time for them to go.
Bah
Ryan, you're out of bounds on this one.
Im a college student. Dont have the money to just "live it up"
Sorry bro, not many of us can relate to this
It's not about 'living it up' - It's about making your life. Someday you might relate, but in the grand scheme of things, the majority of people probably won't relate, and that's fine.
DH in DC, I hear what you're saying and those are pretty fair points. Not everybody is in the same boat, or as fortunate as others, and even those that are fortunate enough not be at the mercy of others risks and decisions often won't act on something.
I'm not trying to say, hey everybody go make something great happen. It's not for everybody, and it's just not possible, but this is what's on my mind and know a few other people experiencing similar thoughts, so I think it can be encouraging to know that other people are feeling similarly, and if they are ready, should be pushed to "swim out in the sea", as Barry's metaphor is more appealing.
^^as much as I agree with some points DH made, I don't think people should allow themselves to be at the mercy of another person ever. You should ALWAYS have multiple hustles JUST IN CASE.
Granted I understand people losing their jobs, and whole heartedly feel for them, but at the same people its a known fact that jobs are being lost in this economy and has been so for a year now. Gotta get on your hustle whether its ebay, a second job, or chasing your dream and"risking it".
Hold On tight! It is going to be a bumpy road.... but the views are incredible!
Keep it up. And remember if you got it support those that don't.
Ryan-
Inspiring words that came at the right time. Thanks.
Ryan - keep blogging about the beautiful things in life. Personally, I am trying to control my discretionary spending but it always brings a smile to me when I read your blog and the beautiful things in life.
Ryan,
I really admire and believe in the mentality and outlook you have on these beliefs. I have always thought that ideas are nothing but stagnant images in one's head unless you put those ideas into motion or act on them with good timing and a positive, driven attitude. Anything is achievable, of course a little luck doesn't hurt along the way either.
I believe that living your life with positivity and the idea that you can do anything if you want to is a contagious attitude to have and others can become inspired to follow their own dreams as well.
keep up what your doing, I know you will. Doing the things that you are doing seem to not even be categorized as 'work' because the passion and love is clearly evident. Best wishes with your future endeavors man.
I do have money in my acct and with everything going on I feel like I just shouldn't be spending because of what other people think... and then there are other times when you just 'fuck it' and spend on something you know you love. I don't shell out a lot for clothes, but I just recently bought this cape/shawl thing for $80 and after wondered if it was worth it because it was just a piece of fabric with a few stitches. BUT it was also from an independent designer that's just starting out and I can wear it tonsss of different ways... so in the end I think it was worth it. But besides that, this post made me rethink my summer plans...
Fake it till I make it, is what I can get from this
I hear you bro. Just wish i was a better swimmer :(
I hear you bro. Just wish i was a better swimmer
felt the same way for a long time.
but as others have mentioned you've just gotta take that leap, thats the first step.
I am feeling you on this, Ryan. I don't know how old you are, but I am in my late 20s and this is something that has been weighing on my mind heavily lately. Namely, the realization that I can either take a risk, as you call it, with my own ideas and dreams, or spend the rest of my my life slaving away on someone else's...
Well said
I know someone thought my earlier comments were a little pollyanna, but I have to say JUMP. If you don't do it, you'll never know and nothing is as good as jumping and realizing you might actually not only survive, but thrive. Jump. Swim. Whatever metaphor works. Go.
Ryan, I think you need a good Paul Arden book.
Btw, you are k-i-l-l-i-n-g it.