2011 was certainly one hell of a ride. It’s quite fascinating when I think of the new experiences and people I’ve encountered over the past 12 months. Once again, am thankful for StartupRoots for opening the doors for me during the second-half of the year.
Nevetheless, one key lesson I’ve learnt was…coming to terms with what it means to:
- Let something go
- Or to put something aside.
For the individual making the decisions, both are equally hard. From an outsider perspective, both might seem the same. Having been through both phases last year, it is certain that
“putting something aside” ≠ “letting it go”.
1. On letting it go
The idea I had decided to let go, was admitedly the result of a spur of the moment rashness. It was soon easy to realize that I was not the best fit for the main driver realizing the idea, HelloWorld. As soon as I learned of competitors from U.S., I soon found myself asking…”why am I doing this?”
Turns out, the only factor keeping me going was my ego. Having publicised it to my friends via Facebook etc, it was hard not to continue. I mean, who wants to quit something that he/she has talked so much about to others?
3 months on, results for Startup Chile came and we got selected. The most important outcome of our results…was me envisioning if I could see myseling building it up, hustling the streets to make it grow into something big and worthwhile over >3years. The only mental image I had was – a tired and fearful me (hmm).
It was only right to forget about my ego, ignore the hype around the supposed once-in-a-lifetime chance to go to Chile, and let the project go.
2. On putting it aside
As I was conducting some feedback for HelloWorld, I soon realized that there were many resources needed before gathering a mass of users. I soon found myself getting emotionally attached to this “new” idea. Placing out my childhood interests into a venn-diagram, this idea is at the center of them all.
Trying to put the pieces together needed to get it up, I soon realized that it is not possible to work on it properly for now. With my final semester starting just next week and having some financial contraints, it would be unrealistic to say it is possible.
Nevetheless, I am happy that I finally came to terms with putting the idea aside for now. Instead, am going to learn the ropes of building a following & service through a pet project I wanted to do last year.
3. The difference between #1 and #2
The after-effect emotions is probably the best indicator to whether your decision falls under category #1 or #2. For #1, I felt relieved to have left the idea. For #2, I am hugely disappointed and uneasy to know that I am not working on it right now. For now, am going to concentrate on “upping” my skills and (more importantly) my confidence to match the big ol’ ambition that I (shamelessly, oops) harbor.
If you’ve experienced something similar, or oppose what my current perspective is, feel free to drop a note 
