$ question
a beginner's perspective
hey there, i'm pretty new to this whole startup world, but i've been thinking a lot about what it takes to really make it. here's what's been on my mind lately:
the advice trap (and why writing matters)
i keep hearing this advice to "listen to successful people," but honestly? i'm starting to think that might be a trap. sure, their experiences are valuable, but what if the next big thing comes from doing exactly what everyone says not to do?
but here's the kicker: i've realized that writing about these ideas is just as important as having them. writing doesn't just communicate ideas; it generates them. so if you're not writing, you're missing out on a ton of potential breakthroughs. it's kinda like coding, you know? you start with a basic idea for a program, but as you actually write the code, you discover new features, better algorithms, or even entirely different approaches. you might sit down to code a simple to-do app and end up with a breakthrough in task priority algorithms (if you do let me know ;) ) . writing is the same way – you start putting words down, and suddenly your brain is making connections you never saw before. it's like your thoughts are compiling in real-time, throwing up errors and optimizations you never considered. writing is gcc for the brain.
stubbornness as a superpower (and how to write it down)
i'm realizing that being smart or well-connected isn't enough. what really seems to matter is being stupidly determined. like, the kind of determination that makes people think you're a bit crazy. maybe that's the secret sauce?
and when it comes to writing about this determination, here's what i'm learning:
- write a crappy first draft as fast as you can (my first drafts are terrible)
- rewrite it over and over
- cut everything that's not absolutely necessary
- write like you're talking to a friend
questioning everything (including your own writing)
i'm trying to make a habit of questioning everything, even the stuff that "everyone knows" is true. it's uncomfortable, and i'm probably wrong a lot of the time. but what if asking those weird questions leads to something big?
when i'm writing, i'm learning to develop a "sense" of bad writing. it's helping me identify and fix the bad parts in my own work. i'm also trying to imitate writers i like, like paul graham, which feels like a shortcut to not sucking
building from scratch (and from the middle)
instead of just following trends, i'm trying to think about problems from the ground up. it's hard and sometimes i feel like i'm reinventing the wheel, but it's also kinda exciting.
i've found that if i can't get started writing, it helps to tell someone what i plan to write about, then write down what i said. it's like fooling my brain into thinking the hard part is already done
playing the long game (and the short writing game)
i'm starting to see that real innovation doesn't happen overnight. it's about sticking with something when everyone else has given up. easier said than done, but i'm working on it.
for writing, though, i'm learning to work in big chunks of time. when i come back to it, i begin by rereading what i have so far. and when i finish a session, i leave myself something easy to start with next time. it's like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for my future self
the contrarian's dilemma
here's a weird thought that came to mind watching sama talk: by ignoring most advice and just doing my own thing, i might end up being the person others come to for advice. but then i'd have to tell them not to listen to me too closely. it's a bit of a mind-bender
and here's a secret i'm discovering about writing: expect 80% of your ideas to come after you start writing, and 50% of your initial ideas to be wrong
look, i know i'm new at this. i could be totally wrong. being contrarian doesn't automatically make you right – sometimes it just makes you wrong in an interesting way. but i can't shake the feeling that real breakthroughs come from thinking differently, being stubborn enough to see it through, and writing it all down along the way
i'm still figuring all this out, and i'd love to hear what you think. am i onto something, or am i just another overconfident newbie? either way, i'm excited to find out.
krish
p.s. remember, i could be contrarian and wrong here. but hey, i could also be contrarian and right. only time (and more writing) will tell!