A Manifesto: in short

This is a living declaration of how and why We Sort operates. It is a pragmatic guide to sustainable progress, grounded in the belief that every small business can—and should—be calm, profitable, satisfying, and sustainable.

Last updated: Jan 2026

NB: There is also a longer version.

Core Principles

• Process Precedes Profit: Profit is the net result of well-functioning systems. When we refine daily admin processes, we create structure and predictability. This buys us the freedom to focus on the creative work we actually enjoy.

• The Cycle of Improvement: Our best work follows a simple rhythm: Ideas > Plans > Activities > Learn.

• Momentum Over Perfection: We move forward through a steady cadence of small, incremental steps. We solve real problems based on data, not presumed problems based on predictions.

• Collaboration Over Management: The people doing the work should be involved in planning the work. We function best as partners, not as top-down managers.

• Work Smart, Not Just Hard: Hard work is a multiplier of luck, but it is unsustainable in isolation. We aim for efficiency and insight, measuring success against our own clear aspirations, not our peers'.

• Honest Prediction: Getting better at business is the same as getting better at predicting. We remain honest about our assumptions and react reasonably when things inevitably change.

My Personal Guardrails

To be a good partner to you, I must hold myself accountable to my own ideals:

• Regular Hours: A standard ~40 hour working week.

• Rest: At least 5 weeks of holiday per year, taken frequently.

• Financial Health: Earning comfortably to build savings and resilience.

• Variety: Maintaining a balanced portfolio of 6–10 diverse clients to stay sharp and engaged.

• Track time: Keep comprehensive timesheets, updated daily, rounded to 15 minutes.

NB: This is a distilled version of A Manifesto (for myself)