As a founder, how do you overcome moments of self-doubt ?

Question

We all have moments of struggle with our products, and most don't become successful from the start. How do you cope with self doubts until you make it ?

Gary Sztajnman · Accepted Answer

You wait. And then, if you truly believe in yourself, motivation will come back the next day

Samuel Rondot · Answer

I usually do very simple tasks that do not require any strategy I can doubt of. I write articles most of the time.

Also I like the idea of the rule of 100 days. You do the work for 100 days without even looking at the results, just do the things blindly. This way you avoid the doubt due to the lack of results ( at least during those 100 days )

Enchanter · Answer

@garysz agree, works every time.

Toni · Answer

@millisen very Zen approach

Milli Sen · Answer

Being present. Letting the past be in the past.

Enchanter · Answer

I remind myself that this is normal. Sometimes, it doesn't help, so I go running. This doesn't always work, either. If so, I take 1-2 days off.

Toni · Answer

@french_ninja boy aren’t you right about resilience.
One thing from my past experiences though is actually to NOT fall in love with the product.
But fall in love the PROBLEM instead
Why ? Because I ended up pivoting several times to make things work, and when you love the product, it gets much harder to accept the pivot.

Answer

This is where having a great cofounder helps immensely IMO. We're all human and have our days, and having that one voice in the room that silences your self doubts is incredible.

Toni · Answer

@busmark_w_nika oh good I m not alone 😂😂

How do you handle it ?

Debajit Sarkar · Answer

Self-doubt is common in founders, but it's a sign to iterate, not resign from your vision. Seek out mentors and advisors and run your ideas past them.

You need to remind yourself that building a startup is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep a log of achievements handy to revisit during doubt spirals.

Anand Radhakrishnan · Answer

Well self doubt is a part if every entrepreneurs journey. Always stay focused. talk to friends or community members. most of all believe in yourself and keep affirming that you are going going to make it. Good luck 👍

Giacomo Bretel-De Simone · Answer

I think you have to be super resilient as a founder to be successful. Gotta love your product and be extremeley driven

Elena Tairova · Answer

Reminding myself why did I start with the project in the first place. And then as @samuel_rondot already said, finding simple tasks that are enjoyable regardless of the outcome - to boost these dopamine levels :D

Answer

@toni_pm Usually go for a run because at that moment I need to survive that running part (different problem to solve) :D Also it helps to meet with friends :)

Answer

Every single minute of my life :D

As a founder, how do you overcome moments of self-doubt ?

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