Jonathan Fielding
Dec 16, 2024
Learning From My Side Project Mistakes
#1about 3 minutes
Learning from failed side projects and abandoned ideas
Side projects are a great way to learn, but many fail, providing valuable lessons on what not to do.
#2about 1 minute
Establish a clear purpose and goals from the start
Starting a project with only a vague idea leads to failure, so define a strong 'why' and measurable goals to stay motivated.
#3about 2 minutes
Avoid perfectionism and focus on the minimum viable product
Getting bogged down in minor details like a login page stalls progress, so prioritize core functionality and launch an MVP to get feedback.
#4about 2 minutes
Prevent scope creep by keeping the initial project small
It's hard to say no to your own ideas, but adding features prematurely derails projects, so keep the initial scope manageable.
#5about 2 minutes
Be selective with feedback to avoid a bloated product
While user feedback is valuable, trying to implement every suggestion can overcomplicate the UI and detract from the core purpose.
#6about 2 minutes
Overcome tech stack paralysis by using familiar tools
Over-analyzing frameworks and platforms stalls projects, so choose familiar technologies to accelerate development and focus on building.
#7about 2 minutes
Avoid the slippery slope of proprietary technologies
Using proprietary platforms like Firebase can lead to vendor lock-in, non-transferable skills, and potential security vulnerabilities.
#8about 2 minutes
Don't spend money on unvalidated project ideas
Avoid buying domain names and paying for hosting until your project is validated, and be mindful of the sunk cost fallacy.
#9about 1 minute
Key takeaways for building successful side projects
The main lessons are to prioritize progress over perfection, stick to your vision, use boring technology, and manage costs wisely.
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