We all dream of bringing our visions to life, but sometimes passion projects can morph into something else entirely: a vanity project. So, what exactly *defines* one?
At its core, a vanity project is a pursuit driven primarily by ego, personal gratification, or the desire for recognition, rather than a genuine need or demand. It's often characterized by significant investment (time, money, or resources) yielding little practical return or societal benefit.
Think of the amateur filmmaker spending a fortune on a movie that only their family watches, or the entrepreneur launching a niche product with no clear market. The key difference between a passion project and a vanity project lies in the motivation. Is it about creating something meaningful, or is it about stroking your own ego? Honesty is crucial. Before diving headfirst, ask yourself: who benefits from this besides me, and is there a real need for it?