In a digital age overflowing with distractions and endless to – do lists, maintaining focus has become a precious and elusive skill. Many of us struggle to zero in on our goals, often jumping from one task to another without fully committing. However, my journey with side projects has been a transformative teacher, revealing profound insights into the art of focus that have seeped into every aspect of my life.
My side project odyssey began with a simple idea: to start a podcast exploring the untold stories of local artisans in my city. It seemed like a fun and manageable endeavor, but as I delved deeper, I quickly realized the challenges it presented. There were countless tasks to juggle – from researching guests, scripting episodes, recording audio, to editing and promoting the podcast. At first, I found myself drowning in a sea of chaos, constantly switching between different aspects of the project without making significant progress.
It was in this state of disarray that I began to understand the importance of prioritization. I learned that not all tasks are created equal. Some activities, like planning the overall structure of the podcast and conducting in – depth interviews, were crucial for the project’s success. Others, such as spending hours perfecting minor audio effects, were less impactful in the grand scheme of things. By identifying these key priorities and focusing my energy on them, I was able to make tangible progress. I started using a simple system where I would list out the three most important tasks for each day related to the podcast, ensuring that I dedicated the majority of my time to them.
Another valuable lesson was the power of setting boundaries. Side projects often take place outside of our regular work or study schedules, which means they can easily encroach on our personal time if we’re not careful. I quickly realized that if I wanted to stay focused and avoid burnout, I needed to define clear limits. I set specific hours each week for working on the podcast and made a conscious effort not to let it spill over into my relaxation or family time. This not only helped me stay productive but also made the time I spent on the project more enjoyable and focused.
Moreover, side projects taught me the importance of breaking down large goals into smaller, actionable steps. When I first envisioned the podcast, the idea of creating multiple episodes, building an audience, and establishing a brand seemed overwhelming. But by breaking it down into bite – sized tasks – like writing a script for a single episode, recording an interview, or designing a simple logo – I was able to approach the project with a sense of clarity and purpose. Each completed small task became a building block, giving me a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.
One of the most unexpected benefits of working on side projects was the development of mental resilience. There were times when things didn’t go as planned – guests canceled last minute, technical glitches derailed recordings, or the initial response to the podcast was underwhelming. Instead of getting discouraged and losing focus, I learned to adapt and persevere. I would remind myself of the bigger picture and the reasons why I started the project in the first place. This ability to stay focused in the face of setbacks has proven invaluable in other areas of my life as well.
In the end, my side projects have been more than just creative outlets or hobbies. They have been a training ground for my focus muscle. The lessons I’ve learned – from prioritization and setting boundaries to breaking down goals and maintaining resilience – have not only helped me succeed in my side projects but have also made me more focused and productive in my professional and personal life. In a world constantly vying for our attention, these skills are truly a superpower, and I’m grateful to my side projects for helping me discover and develop them.
