Failure at Failure

As the first chunk of the fees for next year prepare to leave my bank account, now seems like as good a time as any to conduct a post-mortem on my failed scholarship attempt.

Where did it all go wrong? What could have been done better? Was it the idea or the execution that wasn’t good enough? (both?)

So, I thought I would compile a list of stuff I could’ve done better – for myself, and who knows, maybe it’ll serve as good advice for applicants next year.

Here are my top three.

1. Get uncomfortable. I know now that I should have really put myself out there as some of the winners did (looking at you, naked guy covered in sellotape running through an airport). Getting as far out of your comfort zone as possible is a surefire way to grab and hold onto someone’s attention and make your entry that much more memorable. Sure you might be embarrassed for 10 minutes, but in the long run I’m sure you’ll get over it with an extra twelve grand in the bank.
2. Know your idea. Don’t be indecisive, flip flopping and half-arsing an idea will do you no favours, and there were times when I changed my initial idea too many times to count. Moreover, if you think you suddenly have a million-dollar idea, it’s probably better to not try to shoehorn it in to your existing project. If inspiration strikes and you really think it’s a game-changer, it’s probably best to just cut your losses and start again.
3. Do what the brief says. It said be ridiculous, and if at any time I could’ve turned the ridiculousness up to 11, I probably should have.