Failure is often seen as a bitter pill, especially when it comes to our side projects. I’ve tasted that bitterness more than once, having faced the disappointment of multiple side projects that didn’t pan out as planned. But in the midst of those setbacks, I discovered that failure isn’t just an end; it’s a powerful teacher. Looking back, here’s what I learned from those experiences, lessons that have shaped my approach to future endeavors.
One of the most valuable insights I gained is the importance of passion and purpose. In some of my early projects, I was lured by the allure of quick success or trends rather than a genuine love for the work. I thought that if a particular side project seemed lucrative or popular, it was worth pursuing. However, when the initial excitement wore off, and the going got tough, I found myself lacking the motivation to persevere. I realized that passion is the fuel that keeps us going through the long hours, the challenges, and the inevitable roadblocks. When we’re truly passionate about what we’re doing, we’re more likely to stay committed, even when faced with failure. And having a clear purpose, a reason why we’re doing something beyond just making money or gaining recognition, gives our work meaning and helps us stay focused.
Another crucial lesson was about the significance of proper planning and preparation. In my eagerness to get started, I often skipped the planning phase or rushed through it. I underestimated the time, resources, and skills required for my projects. For instance, I once dived into a web – development side project without fully understanding the complexity of the coding involved or the amount of time it would take to build a user – friendly interface. As a result, the project quickly became overwhelming, and I eventually had to abandon it. I learned that taking the time to create a detailed plan, set realistic goals, and assess the necessary resources is not a waste of time but an investment in the project’s success. It helps us anticipate potential problems and come up with strategies to overcome them.
Failure also taught me the importance of flexibility and adaptability. I had a tendency to stick rigidly to my original plans, even when it was clear that they weren’t working. I was so focused on the end goal that I failed to see the need to make adjustments along the way. For example, in a marketing – related side project, I was using a particular strategy that just wasn’t generating the results I wanted. Instead of being open to trying new approaches, I kept pushing forward, hoping that things would eventually turn around. By the time I realized my mistake, it was too late. I learned that in the world of side projects, things rarely go exactly as planned. Being able to pivot, adapt to changing circumstances, and learn from our mistakes is essential for survival.
Moreover, my failed side projects highlighted the value of feedback. I was often too proud or too afraid to ask for help or feedback from others. I thought that I could figure everything out on my own. But in reality, getting an outside perspective can be incredibly valuable. Whether it’s from friends, family, mentors, or potential customers, feedback can help us identify blind spots, improve our ideas, and avoid making costly mistakes. I learned to be more open – minded and receptive to feedback, understanding that it’s not a criticism but an opportunity for growth.
Finally, I discovered that failure isn’t the end of the road but a new beginning. Each failed side project was a chance to learn, grow, and become better. It taught me resilience, the ability to pick myself up after a setback and try again. It also helped me clarify my interests, skills, and goals, making me more confident in choosing future projects. Instead of being afraid of failure, I now see it as an integral part of the journey to success.
In conclusion, while the experience of failing multiple side projects was painful at the time, it was also one of the most valuable learning experiences of my life. The lessons I learned have not only made me a more informed and capable project – starter but have also changed my mindset towards failure. I now approach new side projects with a combination of caution, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, knowing that even if things don’t go as planned, I’ll come out of it stronger and wiser.
