Less but More: Quality Over Quantity

Every so often, it hits me that this is, after all, a blog—a space for sharing the lessons I’ve gathered over the years as a VR developer, entrepreneur, and blogger. I hope that some of these insights might be helpful to those navigating similar paths. Today, let’s talk about a fresh approach I’ve adopted recently.

For those familiar with my journey, you know my heart is deeply rooted in Virtual Reality (or Mixed Reality, as Meta likes to call it). This enthusiasm has often driven me to juggle countless projects at once. Whether it’s writing blogs, attending industry events, or pursuing contract work—sometimes even attempting to create my own products—I used to jump at every opportunity. Initially, I thought this was a good thing. I enjoyed the diversity of work and achieved commendable results across various ventures. However, I found that spreading myself too thin also led to stress and a scattered focus, which hindered deeper impact.

This realization dawned on me a few months back, spurred by books like “Antifragile,” and things I learned first-hand. I now live by a guiding principle: prioritize fewer but more significant tasks over numerous minor ones. Let me explain what this shift means.

Take social media, for instance. I used to share a flood of XR-related articles on platforms like Twitter/X, simply because I found them intriguing and wanted to enlighten others. I’d read something, hit share, toss in a hashtag or two, and call it a day. Yet, I noticed these posts garnered little engagement. The negligible interaction wasn’t about collecting likes; it highlighted that I wasn’t reaching anyone. Delving into the workings of the platform, I learned such posts weren’t algorithm-friendly as they neither stirred conversation nor evoked emotions. Plus, they contained outbound links leading users offsite. I realized I was squandering my time on content no one consumed—yielding no new followers, no engagement, no connections. I was churning out content that was effectively invisible.

I knew a change was needed. Thus, I began sharing only what I genuinely found substantial, putting in extra effort to craft engaging posts rather than just dumping a headline and a link. Though I haven’t completely abandoned my old habits, I’m much more selective now. Rather than sparking controversial debates for the sake of algorithms, I try to ensure my contributions are meaningful and engaging in a positive way. This approach seems to resonate better, inviting more meaningful connections.

This philosophy applies across other facets too. Previously, I was adamant about churning out at least one article a week (along with my regular summaries). Yet, even when lacking substance, I’d cobble together brief posts about holidays I celebrated, events attended, or quick XR tips I stumbled upon. Replaying the same pattern as my social media posts, I realized I spent considerable time generating content that offered little return—neither in terms of community value nor personal growth. Now, rather than produce a half-baked article, I choose to say nothing, reserving that time for endeavors that enrich my skills and purpose.

When I do write, it’s with greater consideration, aiming for informativeness that justifies both my effort and readers’ time. Adopting this mindset sometimes even results in significant breakthroughs: for example, when my post about Android XR’s camera access garnered attention from several online publications, boosting both my reputation and SEO. In contrast, a dozen posts extolling my love for the VR community—even if sincere—would yield little impact.

As a developer too, my approach evolved. Previously, I accepted nearly every potential project, including numerous small gigs worth $10,000 each. But tackling a single $100,000 project (as a team effort, mind you) ranks far higher in terms of benefits: a chance to foster relationships with reputable clients, a showcase-worthy project for public platforms and portfolios, and importantly, opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The largest endeavor I’ve tackled thus far was developing VRROOM, a virtual concert platform—an 18-month investment that taught me more about development and management than several prior years combined. Such deep dives reveal the richness of experience compared to fragmentary smaller projects.

There’s also an underlying cost-benefit element involved. Each task or project requires time and resources—negotiating contracts, holding update calls, addressing post-completion issues—tasks multiplied with numerous small projects. One larger project streamlines these processes significantly. While the go-big-or-go-home approach isn’t feasible 100% of the time (especially in the current VR landscape where large projects are scarce), it pays to skew towards impactful ventures when circumstances permit.

Nothing groundbreaking here if you’re familiar with Pareto’s principle: 20% of activities often yield 80% of results. While this is theoretical, the underlying truth is indisputable—the potent few outperform the many.

I reference “Antifragile” for its insight into life’s non-linearities. Just as a single boulder impacts more substantially than a thousand pebbles, impactful endeavors possess outsized influence over aggregated smaller ones.

Quality is another crucial factor. Juggling numerous activities compromises the caliber of each. By narrowing focus, you elevate quality—yielding greater satisfaction for creators and audiences alike, along with enhanced reputation. I’ve always been fixated on quality, and now tie it to reputation; I want those who employ me to trust that I’ll deliver excellence. This quality does command a cost, yet after a decade of industry labor, I believe it’s well earned. Opting for fewer projects enables me to price them appropriately and deliver superior outcomes.

Quality alone isn’t enough to achieve lasting success. Sustained quality over time is crucial. Occasional viral success—a tweet or post that explodes in popularity—often fades without translating to enduring followership, as people need consistent, valuable contributions over time to form connections and trust.

This longevity applies beyond social media, infiltrating networking and events. Embracing “fewer but better” in attending events, I aim for substantial impact, like when I attended CES. The intense effort paid off through new connections, insights, and followers. However, infrequent appearances would yield minimal returns.

Years ago, as a novice entrepreneur, I sought networking wisdom from Francesco Ronchi, CEO of Synesthesia. Over quirky conversation, he advised that meaningful connections are often built over multiple encounters. Encountering the same faces at events strengthens familiarity, forging deeper connections. While some rapport forms instantly—with others it develops gradually. That’s why quality should pair with quantity, maintaining discipline to consistently deliver excellence.

Lastly, balance quality and frequency with strategic foresight focused on long-term impact. A viral LinkedIn post sounds gratifying, accompanied by likes and connections. But how does it advance your endeavors or career over the next five-to-ten years?

Beyond routine work, I’m pondering endeavors with potential to elevate my career trajectory over time—an avenue I previously highlighted while discussing VR careers. This entails pinpointing pivotal actions aligned to future aspirations like spearheading major projects, securing leadership roles, gaining media visibility, or any other career milestones.

Such visionary tasks unfold gradually yet provide critical direction, propelling significant career strides. Recognizing personal and professional objectives clarifies which strategic moves can unlock that potential.

Thus concludes today’s musing. If I could encapsulate this ramble:
Focus on fewer but more impactful tasks for present fulfillment and future growth, offering greater value while reducing stress and enhancing satisfaction.

Maybe jot that wisdom down on some toilet paper—fitting in its utilization during life’s crucial moments.

Whether anyone needed this pep talk or not, I hope these reflections assist others in enriching their work journey. If anything resonated, I’d love to hear—in the comments below or by seeing this shared thoughtfully on social media.