How to make the “Wright” Decisions

There are times in our life when we have to make a big decisions. A few months ago, I made a big decision myself.

I left my fulltime role at my job to run my own design studio, Quillor. Crazy, right? It might not have been the “right” decision, but it was certainly the “Wright” decision.

What do I really mean by Wright decision?.

Let me tell you a story.

The “Wright” guys

The Wright Brothers
Image attribute: biography.com

It was the early 1900’s and Orville and Wilbur Wright had a dream of creating an airplane. The task before them was daunting and the path was uncertain. Despite this doubt, they pressed forward to follow their dreams. They were visionary, idealistic and passionate beyond reason.

They were not driven by ambition, but by the Wright-kind-of-passion.

The “Right” guy

Samuel LangelyImage attribute: 225.pitt.edu.com

While the Wright brothers were racing to build a working airplane, another competitor was on the rise. His name was Samuel P. Langely.

He was the “Right Guy” for the job.
He had the ambition.
He had the scientific credentials.
He had the full staff of employees.
He had it all.

U.S government backed him with $70,000.
He was the “right” decision. He seemed like a predictable and safe choice.

The Debut
After years of hard work, Langley was ready to debut his invention. In 1903, Langley’s plane crashed into the Potomac river upon take off. He was humiliated, and gave up his pursuit for good.

How can someone so qualified and well-funded give up so easily?
It wasn’t the lack of resources, it was the lack of passion.

First in Flight
Nine days later, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright Brothers carried out the world’s first controlled, sustained powered flight on an airplane.

My Story

The past few months have been an adventure. Much like the Wright Brothers, the path was not always clear at first. It is passion that has carried me through. There are tough days, where I push myself harder than I should. Despite it all, I’m inspired to follow my dreams.

How to tell if you’ve made the “Wright Decision”:
The “right” decision is the safe decision. On the surface, it seems like it is what you think you want. The “Wright” decision is your passion. When it comes to pursuing your dreams, ask yourself:

1.Are you willing to give up your comfort for the sake of your dreams?
Following your dream is a commitment. It doesn’t come easy and it doesn’t come quick. If you are willing to give up a level of comfort to commit to your dreams, then you are making the Wright Decision.

2.Do you feel empowered at the idea of purusing this idea?
There is a fire inside you that is waiting to ignite. Does the idea of following this idea inspire you? If you feel empowered and confident at the thought of following your dreams, then you are making the Wright Decision.

3.Does time stand still?
Your work is going to take up a lot of your time. Life is short. Make sure that the work you are doing is meaningful and provides you with sense of purpose. If your work is so fulfilling that time itself stands still, then you are making the Wright Decision.

What’s your story?
Do you also have a big idea that you’ve been wait to pursue?

Tell me about it. I’d love to help!

-Tim Rosenberg