Failing My Way Forward

Building games, chasing big goals, and the LinkedIn "cat" problem.

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Building a game is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember. For a long time, I didn't actually know if it was even possible for me to do it. But I finally decided to stop wondering and start building.

I am incredibly proud to share that I’ve finished my first project: a browser-based survival game called Wizard’s Last Stand. I built it as a proof of concept to show myself I could see a project through from start to finish. You can play it right now on my website—I’d love for you to check it out.

Play the game here: Wizard's Last Stand

But in true chaotic good fashion, I’m not stopping there.

Now that I have a win under my belt, I’m moving on to the real challenge: building a PC game in Godot engine. I’m documenting the whole process—the messy code, the confusion, and the small wins. I just uploaded a video covering Day 1 of this new project. It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning a lot by just "failing forward."

🐈 The LinkedIn "Cat" Problem

As we head into the new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we show up on LinkedIn.

We’ve all seen the posts: someone finds a stray cat or misses a bus, and suddenly it's a ten-point lesson on B2B marketing strategy. While the first person who did that might have been sincere, the fact that so many of us have started to mirror that style feels incredibly inauthentic. It’s stifling our ability for genuine growth and connection.

The "LinkedIn Guru" format forces us to wrap every life experience in a tidy, professional bow. But approaching every post like you’re the ultimate expert—especially in this current job market—usually ends up feeling like a nothing-burger. It creates a culture where people are afraid to share the "messy middle" because they think they have to have a polished takeaway ready for the algorithm.

We have a massive opportunity to foster genuine professional communities. This year, I’m aiming for less posturing and more actual conversation. Real connection happens when we talk about the stuff we haven’t figured out yet, the projects that failed, and the questions we're actually asking.

Let’s leave the "everything is a business lesson" tropes in 2024. Growth comes from being honest about the process, not just pretending we’ve already arrived.

I'm curious—have you felt the pressure to "guru-fy" your own posts lately, or are you ready for a more honest approach to networking? Leave a comment and let me know.

Season 9 Idea GIF by The Simpsons

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Good Corner: Humble Bundle

Since I'm currently in the middle of a "learn by doing" phase, I’ve been keeping an eye on tools and games that don't break the bank.

Humble Bundle has a "Deals Under $20" promotion running right now. Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own projects or just need a break from the screen, it’s a great way to grab some solid titles while supporting charity.

Check out the deals here: Humble Bundle - Under $20

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