Feeling stuck and wondering if I'm trying too hard to find ideas to where it's hindering the process.

[liam_hughes_85]

I've been stuck in the idea phase for too long. I'm completely self aware of the 'analysis paralysis' that I find myself in, and I spend an ungodly amount of time trying to research/find needs, brainstorm, observe, etc. I know I must be doing something wrong and that there's room for improvement, this is by no means defeatism.

My line of work is relatively niche and almost certainly not big enough for problems to solve that have enough magnitude. I'm not super social as I just spend a lot of time reading, learning new skills, etc, so that seems to dampen my exposure to observing problems/needs. Any time I go to do fun stuff that isn't productive, I feel guilty because I want this entrepreneur journey so badly and I don't want to give up time that could go towards it. I (seem to) have hustle, I have drive, I've made income on my own from different (later proving to be unscalable/non-transferrable/oversaturated) side hustles. Commitment doesn't seem to be my issue either. I do 'exercises' to practice observing problems, needs, etc, and change how I think.

I know there are a lot of problems in the world that need to be solved, and I know I will figure it out, and I'm not saying 'I can't find any ideas.' I overanalyze and avoid do what you love businesses/things that have no need, and between that and currently not having an idea to go off of, trap myself in this mental box that prevents me from doing anything

When you were in the idea phase, did you apply as much pressure to the search as possible, or go at it from a less tense mindset? Any tips from others who were in this boat, having less exposure to everything/feeling disconnected and still finding needs to serve?

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[MarcusRich]

I've been stuck in the idea phase for too long. I'm completely self aware of the 'analysis paralysis' that I find myself in, and I spend an ungodly amount of time trying to research/find needs, brainstorm, observe, etc. I know I must be doing something wrong and that there's room for improvement, this is by no means defeatism.

My line of work is relatively niche and almost certainly not big enough for problems to solve that have enough magnitude. I'm not super social as I just spend a lot of time reading, learning new skills, etc, so that seems to dampen my exposure to observing problems/needs. Any time I go to do fun stuff that isn't productive, I feel guilty because I want this entrepreneur journey so badly and I don't want to give up time that could go towards it. I (seem to) have hustle, I have drive, I've made income on my own from different (later proving to be unscalable/non-transferrable/oversaturated) side hustles. Commitment doesn't seem to be my issue either. I do 'exercises' to practice observing problems, needs, etc, and change how I think.

I know there are a lot of problems in the world that need to be solved, and I know I will figure it out, and I'm not saying 'I can't find any ideas.' I overanalyze and avoid do what you love businesses/things that have no need, and between that and currently not having an idea to go off of, trap myself in this mental box that prevents me from doing anything

When you were in the idea phase, did you apply as much pressure to the search as possible, or go at it from a less tense mindset? Any tips from others who were in this boat, having less exposure to everything/feeling disconnected and still finding needs to serve?

Based on what you’re saying I don’t think you’re in a state of paralysis. If you’re familiar with MJ’s work which I generally assume people on this board are then you will know it is not about having ideas fast and and blowing time on them. It is about getting good ideas that fit the CENTS framework then executing to the best of your ability and learning. He did not come up with his limo service overnight. It was a process and him filling a need based on his knowledge, experience, and drive. Take a step back from trying to come up with cool stuff and think a bit more on the nose. What in your life is a real pain in the butt? Or what is something that takes up a lot of your time that is not something you like doing? ( for instance my wife designed a custom hamper for sorted clothes then I built a bot with a Sunspot that detects the color of clothes and sorts them into baskets when we put them in the catch all basket (does this once a day at night). Obviously while that is not something that I am likely to try and commercialize and sell that is the kind of thing you may want to consider isolating. My wife would spend up to an hour or more a week sorting clothes and it made her hate doing laundry. I personally loved not having to do my own laundry so I found out what she needed to keep doing it and executed. That is the kind of thing you’re going to want to do in this arena imo. Good luck future Fastlaner!

 

[liam_hughes_85]

Based on what you’re saying I don’t think you’re in a state of paralysis. If you’re familiar with MJ’s work which I generally assume people on this board are then you will know it is not about having ideas fast and and blowing time on them. It is about getting good ideas that fit the CENTS framework then executing to the best of your ability and learning. He did not come up with his limo service overnight. It was a process and him filling a need based on his knowledge, experience, and drive. Take a step back from trying to come up with cool stuff and think a bit more on the nose. What in your life is a real pain in the butt? Or what is something that takes up a lot of your time that is not something you like doing? ( for instance my wife designed a custom hamper for sorted clothes then I built a bot with a Sunspot that detects the color of clothes and sorts them into baskets when we put them in the catch all basket (does this once a day at night). Obviously while that is not something that I am likely to try and commercialize and sell that is the kind of thing you may want to consider isolating. My wife would spend up to an hour or more a week sorting clothes and it made her hate doing laundry. I personally loved not having to do my own laundry so I found out what she needed to keep doing it and executed. That is the kind of thing you’re going to want to do in this arena imo. Good luck future Fastlaner!

Thank you for your response, I appreciate it man. That's a crazy project you made though!