Every once in a while, I reflect on this blog’s purpose, which is to share insights from my journey as a VR developer, entrepreneur, and blogger. I hope my experiences can provide value to others navigating similar paths. Today feels like one of those perfect moments to share a new approach I’ve adopted in recent weeks.
If you’ve been following my journey, you’re probably aware of my fervent love for Virtual Reality—often referred to as Mixed Reality by Meta. This enthusiasm has often led me to juggle too many tasks simultaneously within the industry. From blogging and attending events to contract work and even attempting to develop my own products, I’ve always leaned towards saying “yes” to every opportunity. On one hand, this openness has yielded fruitful results across various fields; however, it’s also brought about stress and a lack of focus, which can hinder meaningful impact in any one area.
A few months back, I began re-evaluating this mindset, spurred by some insightful books I’ve read (like Antifragile) and personal experiences. Through this reflection, I arrived at a principle that now guides my work life: focusing on fewer significant endeavors rather than spreading myself thin across minor tasks. Let me elaborate on how this shift is influencing my everyday actions.
Social media became my first testing ground for this new perspective. Previously, I habitually shared numerous links to XR-related articles on Twitter/X. My intent was always to inform and engage the community by sharing content I found intriguing. My process involved reading an article, hitting the share button, adding a few hashtags, and posting it. This routine continued until I noticed a lack of engagement with these posts. Realizing the futility of my efforts—no additional followers, no meaningful interactions, and no new connections—I concluded this approach was ineffective.
By analyzing trends and gaining insight into the platform’s newer algorithms, I learned that the algorithm doesn’t favor posts lacking engagement or emotional resonance, especially those linking out to external content. While I don’t have a specific vendetta against algorithms, I disliked the ineffective use of my time. What I realized was sharing content without substantial traction was akin to speaking into the void.
Adapting to this realization, I started curating only the content that was the most engaging and relevant. When I share these pieces, I now make a deliberate effort to enhance the post’s appeal, rather than just spewing out a title and a link. Although I haven’t abandoned the former habit completely, my focus is now more about meaningful contributions that foster engagement and connections.
This philosophy has extended beyond social media into my overall professional practices. Previously, I felt compelled to produce at least one article a week, even if it meant writing about inconsequential topics. These articles added little value, both to the community and to my personal growth. Recognizing this pattern, I’ve chosen to invest my energies more wisely—writing only when a topic truly warrants attention. Quality has taken precedence over quantity, ensuring both my time and that of my readers is valued. The impact has been palpable; my post about Android XR allowing camera access, for instance, received notable mentions across online platforms, boosting both my reputation and SEO.
As a developer, I too used to grab any contract I could. However, investing in a single $100,000 project (for the team, unfortunately not all for me!) presents a far more enriching experience than multiple smaller projects. Bigger projects often bring more reputable clients, offer substance for social platforms, and bolster portfolios, thus enhancing professional growth. My extensive involvement in the VRROOM platform, a VR concert initiative, taught me more than any number of smaller projects ever could have. It truly epitomized the value of committing to larger, more complex endeavors.
It’s essential to consider that every endeavor bears costs, particularly time. Each project has fixed management costs, including negotiating terms, handling customer communications, etc. Managing a single, substantial project streamlines these efforts, offering greater overall efficiency. It’s a strategy I recommend pursuing where feasible, although I acknowledge it’s crucial to balance opportunities based on the current landscape.
None of this is groundbreaking; the Pareto Principle illustrates that 20% of our actions yield 80% of our results. Theoretically, eliminating 80% of our tasks would result in only a 20% dip in outcomes. This anecdotal evidence suggests the profound impact of prioritizing essential tasks over a multitude of minor ones.
The idea also aligns with Antifragile’s “non-linearities” concept—emphasizing that significant efforts often outweigh numerous smaller actions. Imagine a large stone could cause severe damage if dropped, unlike 1,000 tiny pebbles distributed over time, which would be inconsequential by comparison.
Quality is equally vital; spreading oneself too thin inevitably compromises the caliber of what we produce. Dedicating time to fewer endeavors markedly improves the quality and satisfaction derived from your work, ultimately augmenting reputation and value delivered. For years, I’ve held a staunch belief in producing quality work and recently I’ve linked this with solidifying a reputable image—ensuring that I’m known for delivering excellence.
However, quality alone isn’t sufficient. Unless your creation independently catapults you to legendary status, sustained success requires a regular delivery of quality. Regularity builds recognition and following over time. Drawing from my personal experience, whilst an isolated viral post garners attention, it seldom converts into lasting followers unless consistently backed by engaging content. Hence, networking, too, thrives on regular, meaningful interactions.
Over the years, my “fewer but better” philosophy has extended to events as well. Making deliberate choices about which occasions to attend, such as CES, has resulted in maximized returns—through meaningful connections and deeper industry insights. Yet, sporadic participation yields insignificant outcomes. The real magic of networking arises from repeated interactions where relationships gradually evolve.
A few years back, I sought advice from Francesco Ronchi, CEO of Synesthesia, on effective networking. His guidance emphasized the importance of consistent presence. Deep, meaningful connections often take shape only after multiple interactions, reinforcing the importance of both quality and quantity over time.
Besides quality and consistency, contemplating the long-term impact is equally crucial. While a million-views LinkedIn post might seem appealing, pondering its effect on your long-term career trajectory is necessary. Are your current tasks steering your career toward larger, more transformative goals?
Strategizing around longer-term tasks, though slower, helps carve out opportunities for substantial progress in your professional journey. For instance, positioning yourself as a manager in a big company or taking on big projects can lead to significant personal growth.
Wrapping up, here’s the distilled essence of today’s musings:
Focus on delivering fewer, but more impactful contributions, both for present and future gains. This approach not only minimizes stress but elevates value and satisfaction in adventure.
Consider jotting this mantra down, possibly even on something mundane like a piece of bathroom tissue—emphasizing its relevance during key moments of each day.
I hope these thoughts resonate with someone else out there seeking a more meaningful approach to their work life. If you have found some value in them, I’d love to hear from you in the comments—or feel free to share this post, but remember, put some heart into it!
