12.17.2010

What's That Sound? Oh, That's Me...Pumping The Brakes.

I have decided to push back the opening of Chaps Buffalino by a few weeks.  I was totally bummed and I am still a little bummed. 


But to be honest, I jumped the gun when I did this.  It's so typical Olivia behavior.  I didn't really take into consideration some important things like vendor relationships and their holiday schedule, and then we have a few personal curveballs that have been thrown our way.  Nothing bad, just unexpected things that have taken up my free time.


So, I've been s.t.r.e.s.s.i.n.g.  And, with the self-imposed deadline looming and me seemingly miles aways from the finish line, I decided to push it back.  I was starting to bargain with myself and wanting to cut corners that probably shouldn't be cut, and deciding that I "really didn't need to do this or that" or "this can wait".  Then last night, I stopped and realized I wasn't going to start Chaps Buffalino this way.  I have my plan all written out, I don't want to deviate just to meet a deadline that was probably way to lofty to achieve in the first place. 


Now I have to admit something...in the past, this type of realization would've stopped me dead in my tracks and I would have quit.  I would have been so mad at that I "failed" that I would have given up and wallowed in self-pity.  Pathetic, huh?  But I'm learning to get past these issues and I guess that is the important part.


Besides, I have accomplished a ton and I am continuing to do so.  I just had this vision and I imagined all this free time, but life happens and gets in the way...craft nights at the school, a clingy baby that isn't feeling well and needs some extra snuggle time, a few late nights at work for the hubby, and the holiday rush.  Life gets in the way :)  But, I'm still super excited to get the Chaps show on the road!


I think the thing I'm most excited about this week is Greg taught me how to maximize my fabric with minimal waste.  I shit you not, he drew a diagram complete with a mathematical equation.  My way, would've wasted so much.  His way, only scraps!  See, this is why it has to be a team effort :) 


I am really excited about what 2011 will bring, but mostly I'm excited at how much I'm learning to roll with the punches.  I have NEVER been good at this, and it's been a detriment to myself big time.  I still have a ways to go, but I think I'm learning to adapt and growing as a person, and to me that is as important as anything else.


Thanks for sharing this time with me!



Olivia

1 comment:

Samara Link said...

Good for you!! I can identify very much with what you described here. Self-imposed deadlines, big goals that aren't always totally thought out from a timing perspective, feeling badly and stressed when it seems you won't make it on time or in a certain way, and fighting that feeling of failure and a subsequent desire to quit. I am so proud of you for changing your cycle, re-establishing your goal and moving forward! You certainly haven't failed, and I agree that quality and fulfilling all the details of your plan is more important than self-imposed timing. That sounds like growth to me, Olivia! Good for you, and good luck on the rest of your preparations. I can't wait to see your launch, your products and your dream. I'm really excited for you, and I think it's so cool you're sharing the details of it all here. It's inspiring!