Future Proof

Future proofing is sometimes easy to neglect. Case in point. A few years back, I graduated from creating my art in our enclosed patio.  I wanted somewhere that was mine, I didn't have to pack up each time we had people coming over.  I wanted to be able to leave a semi- finished artwork up on the easel without worrying that someone would see it in progress. I wanted to be able to leave my supplies out and not have to pack them away after each session.  You can read more on my previous post here about how my art shed came about.
At the time, we purchased a shed that was basically a space for me to create and be out of the way.
When we purchased the shed, it was the perfect size.  It fitted all my materials, a good size studio easel, a desk and even a dog bed for my little studio companion who has since passed.  It was perfect and was well used. 
Fast forward a couple of years later and the dilemma began. I started running art classes and required more supplies and although the supplies expanded the art shed walls did not.  Slowly, I was finding it more difficult to create in the space as the class inventory took over.
Hindsight is a valuable tool.   Quite possibly, if I knew the direction of my business was going to change, I would have looked at a bigger space and this would have future proofed the space.
Obviously, we don’t always know what is around the corner, however, sometimes it can be wise to think about where you will be in two, three or five years down the track.  Will what you are planning now, stack up in three to five years?
There are so many ways we can future proof our businesses and life by asking a ourselves a few simple questions.  These questions can range from, what if ….., how will….., why would……, if I….., you can fill in the blanks based on what area you are looking at.
If I had asked myself, if I grow this business, will this be suitable? What if I take on more clients, how will it effect the space? I am sure you get the idea.
Do you look at future proofing areas in your life or business? How do you assess where you are at now and where you want to be?
Leave your comments below, we would love to see how you do it. 

​Featured Photo:  My little studio buddy

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