thought

Should I focus or explore? A designer’s inner conflict

Date

Jul 7, 2025

Jul 7, 2025

Content

The myth of one right way

The myth of one right way

The role of design in all this

The role of design in all this

A personal reflection

A personal reflection

So, should you focus or explore?

So, should you focus or explore?

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about focus.

I’m someone who’s always doing multiple things at once — and enjoying every bit of it. At the moment, I’m building my portfolio, designing my personal website, growing my design community, working full-time, creating a learning path, and even posting design videos on Instagram. It might sound overwhelming, but truthfully, I love it.

But sometimes… it gets confusing.

There are days when I feel fully in flow, productive and happy. And then there are days where I feel like I’m losing focus — that deep concentration required to go deep in one direction. I start questioning myself:
Should I focus on one thing? Or should I keep exploring multiple things I’m passionate about?

The myth of one right way

The more I think about it, the more I realize — there’s no single “right” answer to this.

Some people thrive by focusing on one thing at a time. They block everything else out, go all-in, and often achieve incredible results. We’ve all seen those stories — startup founders who built revolutionary companies by sacrificing everything else. In their pursuit, they may have lost friendships, relationships, even parts of themselves. But they built something monumental.

Then there are others who take a different path — exploring many things, shifting gears, learning constantly. These people may not have one singular “mastery,” but they build bridges between disciplines, spark new ideas, and create platforms for others. They inspire creative thinking in ways the world needs just as much.

And there are also people who find peace in simplicity — designing quietly in the corner of their room, watching the rain outside, finding joy in creating for the sake of creation.

The role of design in all this

As designers, whatever path we choose, we’re all trying to build something that lasts — something that helps people, something that moves others, or maybe even something that simply brings joy. And in doing so, design often rewards us too — with money, with opportunities, with the means to travel, buy the tools we need, or live the kind of life we dream about.

Some of us will land that “dream job.”
Some of us will build the life we’ve always wanted — buying that car, building that home.
Some of us will find meaning in teaching and giving back.
And some of us… might do it all.

A personal reflection

There was a time in my journey when I was very focused — that’s how I became a product designer. But now, I’m in a phase where I’m exploring again. I’m learning about community building. I’m diving into other creative fields like fashion and architecture. I’m experimenting with content creation. I’m also stepping into the role of a mentor.

And that’s okay. Because design — like life — happens in phases.

So, should you focus or explore?

The answer? Do what feels right for you at this moment.
There’s no single way to be a “successful designer.”

Whether you’re laser-focused or joyfully scattered across many projects, both paths are valid. Both can be meaningful. And both can lead to great things.

Just don’t let the pressure to “do it the right way” stop you from doing it your way.

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