From time to time, I remind myself that this platform is a blog, which gives me the opportunity to share some insights I’ve gathered throughout my career as a VR developer, entrepreneur, and blogger. My aim is to offer guidance to others who might find themselves navigating similar paths. Today, I want to discuss a strategy I’ve recently adopted, hoping it might be beneficial to others as well.
If you know me, you are probably aware of my deep-rooted enthusiasm for Virtual Reality—what Meta now refers to as Mixed Reality. This passion has often driven me to juggle multiple endeavors within the field. I attend events, write blogs, take on contract work, and occasionally attempt to create my own products. Initially, I found myself agreeing to nearly every opportunity that came my way. On one hand, this approach allowed me to achieve satisfying results across various areas. On the other hand, it could be overwhelming and oftentimes scattered my focus, hindering significant progress.
A few months back, prompted by some thought-provoking reads (like “Antifragile”) and personal experiences, I started reevaluating my work-life strategy. The conclusion I arrived at, which now guides my professional life, is that concentrating on fewer impactful endeavors yields better outcomes than spreading myself too thin across numerous less significant tasks. Let me explain further.
Social media was one of the first areas where I tested this new mindset. Previously, I would frequently share XR-related articles on Twitter/X if I found them intriguing, hoping to keep the community informed. This often involved reading an article, hitting share, adding a couple of hashtags, and posting it. However, this routine began to feel futile as I noticed that most posts hardly attracted engagement. It wasn’t just about collecting likes; the lack of interaction indicated nobody was reading them, rendering my efforts pointless. Observing others and delving into articles about the X algorithm showed me that posts needed to engage viewers emotionally or spark conversation to gain traction, which mine weren’t doing. Plus, linking to external sites wasn’t favored by the algorithm. As a result, I was investing time in content that provided no value.
This realization prompted a change in my approach. I began curating what I shared, focusing on truly significant content. I worked on making posts more engaging, rather than simply posting a title and a link, though I admit I still do that occasionally. I have no desire to incite heated debates just for visibility, but I acknowledge the need to adapt to the platform’s rules and strive to share meaningful insights. This strategy has led to increased interaction and more genuine connections.
This shift in focus applies to all aspects of my work. In the past, I made it a point to publish a weekly article, regardless of whether I had anything valuable to say. This often resulted in trivial posts—updates on holidays, events, or quick software tips—which, like my social media shares, yielded little return. Instead of rushing to publish something every week, I now prioritize quality, using that time to pursue other meaningful activities. When I do write, I aim for the content to be both informative and worthy of my time and the reader’s attention. This approach sometimes results in significant outcomes. For example, my article on Android XR’s camera access garnered mentions in various online publications, enhancing my reputation and SEO. Conversely, numerous posts expressing my love for the VR community, though sincere, would not have had the same impact.
As a developer, I formerly took on every contract that came my way. However, working on a large-scale project worth $100,000 (for the team, unfortunately, not just for me) was much more beneficial than ten smaller $10,000 projects. Larger projects often come from more reputable clients, allowing for rewarding collaborations and offering more substantial work to showcase in your portfolio. They also present complex challenges that foster professional growth. Working on the VR concert platform VRROOM for a year and a half taught me more about development and management than several smaller projects over the previous years combined.
Everything we do carries a certain cost, especially in terms of time. Managing multiple projects means negotiating numerous contracts, organizing weekly updates for each, and resolving various post-delivery issues. A single project simplifies these concerns. Of course, landing a large project is more challenging than securing smaller ones; hence, I’m not suggesting you only accept significant projects. In the current VR landscape, that wouldn’t be sustainable. Aim for larger, impactful projects whenever possible if you’re in a position to choose.
This mindset isn’t revolutionary; if you’re a fan of Pareto’s Principle, like I am, you know that 20% of your efforts often yield 80% of the results. This perspective hints at the idea that eliminating less crucial tasks could lead to similar outcomes.
I referenced “Antifragile” because it discusses life’s “non-linearities.” Major endeavors have a more significant collective impact than numerous small efforts combined. Dropping one large stone can be far more consequential than scattering thousands of tiny pebbles. Quality is crucial here too. When stretched thinly across many tasks, it’s tough to deliver excellence, whereas fewer commitments allow for higher-quality outcomes. This satisfaction boost not only enhances individual well-being but also builds reputation. Now, I associate quality work with reputation, understanding my industry worth after a decade of hard work. I still work diligently but in a healthier manner.
Focusing solely on significant undertakings isn’t enough, though. Unless your work is profound enough to make you a legend, continuous contributions are necessary to build recognition. Drawing from social media experience, viral posts result in likes but rarely followers without consistent engagement and value delivery.
This principle applies to networking and events, too. I’ve shifted to attending fewer, more impactful gatherings, like CES, striving for maximum value from each experience. Though exhausting, these efforts foster valuable connections and reinforce my presence in the XR community.
A few years back, at an event in Milan, I sought networking advice from Francesco Ronchi, Synesthesia’s CEO. He emphasized the importance of regular presence at events, suggesting meaningful relationships often develop after multiple meetings. My experience mirrors this; some connections spark instantly, while others grow through repeated interactions. Thus, maintaining a balance between quality and quantity is essential in building lasting professional relationships.
I’ll close with one last thought: alongside focusing on impactful, consistent work, consider the long-term goals. Chasing temporary success in the form of viral posts or events can be gratifying, but think about what tasks could significantly influence your career in five to ten years.
Balancing quick wins with long-term strategies is crucial. These future-focused tasks—a large project, a managerial role, or media appearances—can propel your career forward in ways small achievements cannot. They provide direction and purpose, guiding career progression strategically. But to identify these tasks, you need clarity on your long-term aspirations.
To wrap it up:
Do less but make what you do more impactful–both now and in the future. This approach tends to bring more satisfaction, reduce stress, and deliver greater value overall.
If my reflections resonated with you or sparked a change in your own approach, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or on social media—and when you do, make sure to put a little extra effort into it!
