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I struggle with sites like Indie Hackers

Crippling comparison and being overwhelmed. That's what these kind of sites do to me.

It's hard not to look through other persons' polished sites and their large monthly revenue numbers and just think...I can't ever make that.

I feel that I'm missing out on great community support and a lot of awesome knowledge because I force myself to avoid sites like this. What's the best way to take advantage of the advantages without letting the comparison destroy my motivation?

  1. 5

    I'm wondering, do people here get value from the "I made $X in Y days" posts that are increasingly taking over IH?

    It's nice to support each other, but I really miss the thoughtful discussions that made me come here originally (with no ego involved, and no one showing off).

  2. 4

    I see it like a gym or jogging. Nobody started fit.

    You need to show up each day and go on and on. Because only persistence counts. Fair enough, you need to also have some talent, but this is maybe less relevant in maker scene than in trying to become a singer or a professional footballer :)

    Just show up and you will do well!

    1. 1

      Love the gym analogy

      Some people are ahead in the journey and that's okay, it should inspire you not make you depressed.

      Maybe it's not inspiring in that case you can just focus on your own thing but do know that they'll be more than happy to answer your questions and help you get started (saying that for the gym AND IH !)

  3. 3

    Don't compare with others, just compare with the past version of you and your project.

    Everyone has their own tempo.

    Look through others and think about what strategies they used that work out.

    Then try some on your own project!

  4. 2

    In venture capital I get to see a lot of successes and a lot of failures. The successes are usually a result of people getting an MVP out into the world and then improving it with the help of their users. The real polishing comes after there is success, not before.

    That success gives you the income and time to work and hire developers. Progress quickens after you hit a successful wave, because of the resources it gives you.

  5. 2

    Don't compare yourself with others. Everyone has a different start in life. Also, there is a lot of luck involved. So just build stuff and ship it. It is a number game, if 90% of startups fail, just build 100 and 10 of them will be successful. I can tell you the community is great here.

  6. 2

    What's the best way to take advantage of the advantages without letting the comparison destroy my motivation?

    Fix the underlying problem which is your negative self talk and limiting beliefs. I struggle with this too, and step number 1 is to realize when you're doing it and redirect your thoughts to positive ones. From there I would say that coming up with coping mechanisms and daily rituals has helped me a lot. The most helpful thing for me though is to reject the limiting beliefs and run directly through my fears. I now go big or go home.

    Side note, learning about my enneagram type has been a great way for me to understand how I tick and that all of my thought processes begin with what I fear. I have to rationalize each fear to be able to take the next step. I'm a 5 wing 6 for reference.

    1. 1

      I have never heard of an ennagram. Very interesting, thanks!

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