Starting something new can be both exciting and daunting. Whether it's launching a business, building a product, or offering a service, the key lies in solving real world problems people face. Let’s break this down into actionable steps and address two common fears that hold people back.
Step 1: Find a Problem You Can Solve
Every great idea starts with a problem. Look around—what are people complaining about? What’s something you or your friends struggle with? These are golden opportunities.
- Do parents often stress about meal prep for their kids?
- Are freelancers overwhelmed by managing their invoices?
Make a list of problems people frequently mention. The simpler the problem, the better! Don’t overthink this step; the goal is to identify something solvable.
Step 2: Craft an Irresistible Solution And Do Your Research!
Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to dream up a solution. Your solution doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to make the problem less painful.
Now, do some research. Check out forums, social media groups, or Reddit threads where people discuss this issue. How are they solving it now? What are their frustrations with existing solutions?
Armed with this knowledge, refine your idea to offer something unique.
- A meal-prep guide tailored to picky eaters.
- A simple invoicing tool with reminders for freelancers.
Step 3: Validate Without Spending Money
Before you invest time or money, test your idea. The easiest way? Talk to people! Share your solution with potential customers and see how they respond. Social media polls, free prototypes, or casual conversations work wonders.
Example:
Create a free PDF or simple tool and share it with your network.
Ask, “Would you pay for this?” and see their reactions.
You’re not aiming for perfection—just proof that people care enough to take action.
Overcoming the Two Big Fears
Fear 1: The Fear of Starting
Starting anything new is scary. What if it fails? What if people laugh? These thoughts can paralyze you. The solution is to start small.
- Spend an hour researching the problem.
- Talk to three people about your idea.
Small wins build momentum. Repeat these experiments consistently, and you’ll gain confidence over time.
Fear 2: The Fear of Asking
Many of us dread asking for feedback or pitching our ideas because we fear rejection. “What if they say no?” But here’s a reframe: rejection is a gift. It’s free feedback that sharpens your idea.
Treat rejection as desirable. If someone says, “This isn’t for me,” ask why. Their answer could help you improve or pivot.
Conclusion
Starting something new doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Focus on finding a problem, crafting a solution, and testing it quickly. Don’t let fear of starting or fear of asking hold you back. Remember, small steps lead to big results, and every rejection gets you closer to success.
Hi , my name is Sreedeep CV , these insights are from the book Million Dollar Weekend, I am also working on my small but impactful product called LiveAPI which is for automatic API docs generation in scale, do check this out.
Top comments (0)