Hey everyone,
I wanted to put this post out there in case someone else is stuck in the same phase as me—trying to figure out what startup idea to actually pursue.
A little background: I’ve been passionate about entrepreneurship for years. I’ve worked in a few startups, taken courses, followed the usual advice from podcasts, books, and YouTube. I’ve got notebooks full of ideas, some more developed than others, but every time I get close to choosing one to go all-in on, I hesitate. What if it’s the wrong idea? What if no one wants it? What if I waste time, money, and energy on something that never takes off?
Sound familiar?
I started noticing a pattern. I was spending more time “preparing to start” than actually starting anything. I had fallen into the analysis paralysis trap. I wanted everything to be perfect—my market research, the business model, the product roadmap—before even testing the idea. But deep down, I knew I was avoiding the real work: talking to people, validating problems, and launching something basic.
So I finally gave myself permission to stop chasing perfection and just move forward with learning in public. One of the most helpful things that shifted my mindset recently was discovering a resource called Founding Startups. I came across it while looking for practical advice on startup validation, and it was a refreshing change from the overhyped, "get-rich-quick" startup content out there.
What I liked about Founding Startups is that it focuses on realistic startup guidance. They break down how actual founders came up with their ideas, what validation looked like for them, how they found product-market fit, and even how they dealt with early failures. It made me realize that successful founders often don’t start with perfect clarity—they start with curiosity and action.
There was one post that particularly stood out about choosing the right kind of idea—not just something “cool,” but something you can commit to for years. It talked about aligning your idea with your strengths, your level of risk tolerance, and your available resources. That struck a chord with me. It’s not just about the idea—it’s about the fit between the idea and the founder.
Here’s what I’m doing differently now:
1. Starting With Problem Interviews
Instead of obsessing over solutions, I’m reaching out to people in specific niches (like freelancers, teachers, or parents) and asking about the problems they face. The goal isn’t to pitch anything, but just to listen. These conversations are giving me more insight than any keyword research or trend report ever could.
2. Micro-Testing Ideas
Thanks to a tip from an article on Founding Startups, I’m building super lightweight MVPs—think landing pages, email waitlists, or clickable prototypes—and then running small tests through Reddit, niche communities, or even cheap Facebook ads. This helps gauge interest before building anything complex.
3. Tracking Personal Energy
Another thing I didn’t expect was how important my own energy levels are. I noticed I naturally gravitate toward working on ideas related to digital tools and creator workflows. I feel excited just thinking about them, whereas other ideas feel like a chore. That’s a sign.
4. Budgeting for Failure
One of the more honest takes I found on Founding Startups was that early ideas are more like experiments than businesses. I’ve now set a modest budget—both financially and in terms of time—and told myself: “Even if this flops, the experience will be worth it.” That shift in mindset removed a ton of pressure.
5. Learning in Public
I’ve started sharing my journey online (on Twitter and small startup forums) just to get used to putting my work out there. You’d be surprised how much support and useful feedback you can get from people you don’t even know.
So yeah, I’m still in the early stages. I haven’t launched my dream startup yet, and maybe I never will—maybe I’ll launch three small ones that teach me even more. But for the first time in a while, I feel like I’m moving, not just planning.
If you’re in the same spot—filled with ideas but frozen on which one to pursue—I highly recommend focusing on real validation, small experiments, and surrounding yourself with practical resources. Founding Startups has definitely been one of those for me, and it’s helped me tune out the noise and focus on what really matters.
Would love to hear how others here chose their startup ideas. Did you test a bunch before one clicked? Did it come from a personal need or a market gap? Did you go solo or partner with someone?
Let’s share more of the messy middle—it might help someone else break through the fog.
Thanks for reading and looking forward to your thoughts!
