Forgetting to stop and smell the roses 😐
by Louis NichollsToday I had an important realisation.
One of the biggest killers of early stage startups and side projects is a gradual loss of motivation followed by a sudden loss of momentum.
Most indie hackers don't shut down their businesses with a bang, but a fizzle.
And today, I realised that I'm in danger of the same thing happening to me with the Sales for Founders course.
The earlybird enrollment weekend went well. I'm well on track to reach my goal of $20k in presales before the launch in September.
So I should be happy. But in my anxiety to keep momentum going and deliver an amazing product for my new customers, I haven't taken any time at all to reflect on how well things are going and enjoy the journey. So I'm in danger of losing motivation.
In case you're in a similar situation, let this be a friendly reminder to stop and smell the roses when things are going well :)
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Thank you for sharing.
I have been in the same situation, both the motivational part and the momentum part.
What has helped me a lot here was reframing these doubts and fears. A loss of momentum is a chance to dig deeply into a problem. A motivational shift allows me to look at things differently, and at different things. I noticed that if I reframe these things in terms of curiosity, I can use them in a positive, helpful way.
As founders, we are responsible for our own perspective, and we are the ones that make it a joyful or a painful experience.
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What do you recommend people do to "smell the roses?"
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Not sure I can generalise.
But for me it's deliberately planning a day/afternoon/evening where I'll just enjoy myself. Maybe go out with friends and treat myself to a nice meal or something.
It also helps (me) to compare myself with 'past' Louis once in a while. Normally I'm comparing to 'future goal' Louis (who is awesome and intimidating).
Past Louis is much less impressive, and comparing myself to him makes me feel good ;)
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That's a great insight. Thanks for the reminder!
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That's so true Louis, I'd say just hang in there and enjoy while you work on your greatest creation.
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A very good life lesson for sure. I've felt my self in this situation recently with https://trackmylift.app after a few late nights in a row etc.
Took a day to reflect at how far I've come with a simple idea that sparked my startup idea and how close I am to release date. I was able to calm my mind again!