Motivation is the hardest part pre-release
Staying motivated is really difficult before release. It sometimes feels like I'm drowning all alone in the middle of this vast ocean. I desperately want to be successful but often find myself psyching myself out and telling myself it'll never happen. I love this product that I'm building but it is hard when you feel so alone and staring the marketing mountain in the face. I've thought about looking for a non-technical co-founder but not sure if/when that makes sense. I've hit a rut where I'm not making progress and not sure where to turn yet.
Any advice out there on staying motivated for the aspects that aren't my "specialty"?
Hello, my fellow Indie Hacker,
Few thoughts:
If you'll google the exact match of: "don't fall in love with your MVP" - you will find approx 5580 results. Long story short: it's a dangerous trap.
Motivation is overrated. Motivation is just an emotion. It's fickle, it comes and goes. All you need is 2 things: remembering why are you doing this and discipline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBmVv2P-v2s
Is okay to think that you may need a co-founder. An entire ocean of successful startups was brought to life by 2 founders. But a co-founder MUST be a person you know very well, a person you really trust.
On "my specialty": If you are SOLO but you really understand the problem that you're solving - it's absolutely OK to wear all hats. You will become everything in this project: designer, frontend, backend, architect, marketer, devops, CEO. I've been there (before I failed my first/previous startup). It's a tough, but very rewarding process. You'll learn a ton of new things.
Wish you good luck!
nyku,
This was absolutely what I needed to read. I am going to refocus back to the MVP (I have become focused on details) and work on getting it shipped. Thanks for taking the time!
Also, Jocko is absolutely awesome for putting things straight and laying a path for you to follow, thanks for sharing that video it was perfect for rethinking my approach and emotions behind this project.
cheers
Glad to help!
I would also want to share another very valuable video from Michael Seibel on building an MVP:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hHMwLxN6EM
and YC’s Essential Startup Advice
I hope you'll find answers to the questions you have!
Cheers!