Why do you make money?
Instead of resolutions, maybe it's a good time to check in on your Why.
You've probably seen enough posts about New Year's resolutions this week. I’m only setting an intention, which is to publish more frequently here. I considered setting a specific target, but I’ve decided that doesn’t work for my idiosyncratic personal motivation personality. What does work is committing to increasing my personal best continuously until I find the right rhythm.
Besides, I don’t want to waste your time publishing for the sake of meeting my target, I only want to post when I have something to say.
Starting with a short one today—but at least I’m starting!
Instead of resolutions, I want to focus on checking in on our whys.
When Walt Disney said he makes money to make more movies, he captured something profound about purpose. He understood that money wasn't the end goal—it was the fuel that enabled the creative work he really cared about. This simple flip in perspective also applies to how we might think about building businesses.
The film industry model
The film industry operates on a radical premise: everyone, from grip to director, is simultaneously an artist and a craftsperson. Instead of climbing traditional corporate ladders, film professionals move from project to project, each one a new opportunity to practice their craft. This creates a unique dynamic where:
1. Success is measured by the quality of work, not years of service.
2. Learning happens through direct practice, not theoretical training.
3. Reputation and skill compound over time, creating sustainable careers.
4. Each project is a fresh chance to push boundaries and take risks.
Learning from Clint Eastwood
Let's use Clint Eastwood as a concrete example. He started as a supporting actor in the TV series Rawhide, then leveled up by working with directors like Sergio Leone. Eventually, he stepped behind the camera with Play Misty for Me, and over time became an Academy Award-winning director. But here's what's interesting: he never joined a studio permanently. Instead, he built an ecosystem of collaborators—like Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon—who show up in his films again and again.
Viewed in retrospect, Clint's path looks inevitable. But he was really doing what every entrepreneur must do: following his curiosity while building a sustainable business model. Each film was both an artistic statement and a business venture—exactly the balance most founders struggle to strike.
Building a different kind of studio
I've always admired how film professionals maintain their independence. Through sustainable operations that fund their work, they gain the freedom to choose their next projects. It's exactly what I want to do for myself and help bootstrapping founders do: build businesses that support our vision without needing external investment or approval.
That's what ClimbWorks is really about: helping founders master the craft of building sustainable, independent businesses. Not the kind that need venture funding or exit strategies, but the kind that generate enough profit to fund whatever you really want to create - your own "movies," whatever those might be. Just as Disney built his studio to keep making the films he believed in, you can build a business that funds your creative independence.
Directing your own production
When you're bootstrapping, each product or business is like an independent film production. You're not waiting for a big studio's green light - you're finding creative ways to make it work with the resources you have. Each launch teaches you something new about building profitable, sustainable businesses. And just like Clint, you need a solid crew around you - other independent founders who understand what you're trying to build.
What’s your next film?
I know we all need to make money. But here's my question: are you building something that gives you true independence? Something that generates enough profit to fund your next project, your next experiment, your next creative leap - without needing to convince investors or chase exits?
An invitation
If you're achieving this through your current job, fantastic. But if not, consider learning how to build businesses that truly support you, rather than jumping to another job.
If you're already working on your "movie" but want the support of like-minded founders, we'd love to have you join us (see below)>
Let's build businesses that make money, so we can make our own movies.
Join Us!
If you like the sound of this and you want to build a business that harnesses your curiosity, please consider joining us at ClimbWorks, the Unaccelerator for those who want to choose their own adventure.
It’s a great time to do so because there’s a special offer for those who join the launch cohort now:
50% off the regular ‘Community Plan’ pricing — for life.
The chance to shape the program’s future.
A supportive community of thoughtful founders.
You can learn more and sign up at the ClimbWorks site.
And there’s more on the backstory here:
Why am I launching an Unaccelerator?
Let’s imagine that you’ve decided to start your own business. But you’re not sure how to go about it, and it feels daunting to quit your job and figure out how to do it by yourself. Maybe you’ve got a couple of friends who want to do it with you. But none of you has done this before, and there are significant gaps in your knowledge.