Struggling with motivation (post-launch, 100+ users, growing well)
I've built a Shopify app that is going great so far; the users are happy and it's growing relatively steadily!
I'm facing an issue every morning when I wake up though; I have so many features I could work on, so many things I should do (but don't necessarily NEED to do), that I just lose all motivation to work on the app at all.
Sure, I'll squeeze in 15-20 minutes here and there for bug fixes, support queries, etc. It's still a top priority for me, but the work I know I should be working on (for future stability, etc) I just feel exhausted when trying to approach.
Maybe it's because I'm not 100% all in on the idea; I know it has potential to make the money I want, but it's not what I want my life purpose to be about.
Anyone go through this sort of situation?
I've felt similar in the past with freelance work; a sort of burnout I guess.
First, kudos for making such a raw, vulnerable post. I get tired of the "ra ra go team" BS from founders who are either in over their heads, or aren't happy with their product so they fake it.
Second, I have been in this position and, for me, it was all about perspective. Treat this company as the stepping stone that will enable you to start working on that next project which WILL BE your life's purpose. Treating every new sign up, every new line of code, every little improvement as a small step on the bridge to your bigger goal.
Appreciate the response Chris :)
Absolutely agree - perspective is such a huge matter here; and it's likely something I just struggle with through various steps of my life in general (as I've felt this way a few times).
Thanks for the idea shift, I really need to take a look at this as more of a stepping stone as you mentioned - I think in my mind I feel like this project is going to be a full commitment but that notion scares me.
Thanks for sharing this - I have been struggling with this lately as well.
I really like @TheChrisLusk's idea about looking at it as a means to an end. I have been trying to quarantine my time where I only take meetings/demos several days a week. I allow myself 3 days with nothing planned. Sort of like Google's free day for programmers. This is still new for me but I do think it has helped. Its trial and error like @Mailman said.
Interesting, I'll for sure think about giving that a go. "Means to an end" is a great phrase I think I need to stick in my mind more often hah.
Have you neglected any other areas of your life significantly? Social life, relationships, exercise, family, etc.
Being productive without a boss isn't easy. You're going to have to figure out what combination of activities will keep you positive and motivated. Finding new hobbies has always balanced me out, anything to get your mind off of work so your brain can recharge.
I totally agree; and it does make complete logical sense; I just recently moved back to my hometown after a few years abroad doing the nomad thing. Now that I'm back here I don't have many hobbies and sort of just sit around and think about work too much.
I'm for sure going to try to get out and about more; I think I need to get out of my head and especially stay away from too much tech/founder/startup things in my life.
I struggled with motivation a lot. You can listen to my podcast on IH.
I wanted to quit and pack it all in so many times. A mixture of lack of interest, a business going in the direction I didn't personally want and me just wanting to do other things. Yet I still saw value in what was there and the community that existed and it didn't feel right to just kill it.
Honestly...it was a struggle, but I think life is just a one big struggle. I stuck with it, for 3-4 years, I'm glad I did, because longer term I'll be better off financially, and also consciously I know I've at least tried my best to keep the community alive.
Now that I'm not doing much at all for it I feel I can focus on the things that I really want to. And somehow I ended up here doing IH Community stuff! :)