In the creative realm, the problem of having “too many ideas” is a delightful yet perplexing conundrum. It’s like standing in a vast candy store, eyes wide at all the colorful treats, but unsure which one to pick. When it comes to side projects, this abundance of ideas can quickly turn from exciting to overwhelming. However, over time, I’ve developed a process for choosing and validating a side project that helps me navigate this maze of creativity and land on something truly worthwhile.
The first step in my process is to embrace the chaos of ideas. Instead of trying to immediately sort and filter, I let my mind run wild. I carry a small notebook with me everywhere, jotting down thoughts, inspirations, and concepts as they strike. Sometimes, it’s a fleeting thought during my morning commute, or an idea that pops up while I’m reading a book. I also use digital tools like note – taking apps and mind – mapping software to capture more complex ideas and the connections between them. This initial stage is all about quantity; the more ideas I have on paper (or screen), the better.
Once I have a substantial list of ideas, it’s time to start the sorting process. I categorize them into different buckets based on common themes or areas of interest. For example, I might have a category for tech – related projects, another for creative endeavors like writing or art, and a third for business – oriented ideas. This helps me see the big picture and identify any patterns or clusters of ideas that seem to be more prominent in my mind.
After categorizing, I begin to evaluate each idea based on three key criteria: passion, feasibility, and potential impact. Passion is non – negotiable. A side project requires time, effort, and dedication, and if I’m not passionate about it, the motivation to see it through will quickly fade. I ask myself how excited I am about the idea, how much I enjoy thinking about it, and whether it aligns with my long – term interests and values.
Feasibility is another crucial factor. I consider the resources I have available, including time, money, skills, and knowledge. For instance, if an idea requires advanced coding skills that I don’t possess and don’t have the time to learn in the near future, it might not be a viable option at the moment. I also think about the potential obstacles and challenges that could arise and whether I’m prepared to overcome them.
The final criterion is potential impact. This could mean different things depending on the nature of the project. For a creative project, it might be about sharing my work with an audience and making an emotional connection. For a business – related side project, it could be about generating income or solving a real – world problem. I assess how much value the project could bring to myself and others.
Once I’ve narrowed down my list based on these criteria, it’s time for validation. I start by doing some initial research. If it’s a business idea, I look into the market demand, competitors, and potential customers. I might conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather feedback. For a creative project, I share my concept with trusted friends, family, or colleagues and ask for their honest opinions. I also look for existing examples or case studies that are similar to my idea to see what has worked (and what hasn’t) for others.
Another important part of the validation process is prototyping or testing. If possible, I create a small, scaled – down version of the project to see if it actually works in practice. For example, if it’s a mobile app idea, I might create a simple wireframe or mockup. This hands – on experience helps me identify any flaws or areas that need improvement before I invest too much time and resources into the full – fledged project.
Choosing and validating a side project is not a one – time decision but an iterative process. Even after I’ve selected a project, I remain open to feedback and willing to pivot if necessary. By following this systematic approach, I’ve been able to turn my abundance of ideas into meaningful, rewarding side projects that not only bring me joy but also have the potential to make a positive impact.
