As we've discussed before, when building a startup, it can often feel like you're constantly questioning yourself or your idea. We've found this to be exhausting. We recommend focusing on the tasks at hand each day and scheduling in time for deep reflection and feedback when you're at a good stopping point. That time is now!

What's working and what's not? Let's reflect on whether your value proposition resonates with customers, what you've learned by attempting to solve their problem in pilot tests, and if there is broader market interest.

It's also an excellent point to stop and check-in with yourself.

<aside> ⌛ Suggested Time: Total Hours: 4-6 hours Full Time Founders: 1 day Part Time Founders: 2 days

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👠 Progress Check-In

Go to @Getting Unstuck if the answer is no for any of the following questions, and you don't know why or how to fix it.

• Were your customers engaged throughout your pilot test? i.e., They want to stick around for more.
• Were you able to solve any of the customer's major problems?
• Did any of the customers pay?
• Given your goals for the size of your business, are you seeing broader market interest? At this point, you want to see if there's broader market interest beyond the customers with whom you've done interviews and pilot tests. Keep in mind, though, if you're hoping to run a local brick and mortar business, the broader interest doesn't need to be the country.
• Do you hear anything resonating loudly between different pilot tests and broader interest tests? Is there an overlap in the customers' stated needs?
• Do you have at least three advisors with whom you're working?

😃 Personal Check-In

Ask yourself the following questions. If the answer is no, take some time to reflect and recalibrate.

• Are you excited about the direction that this is going? Do you feel energized when you're working on it? What activities gave you the most energy (and what did you find draining)?
• Have you developed a routine or strategy for time management?
• Are you practicing self-care 💇🏽🌻🏄🏻💅🏼🎶😍 and taking time to do things outside of this work that fulfill you
• been able to build your community of founders for peer support?
• Are you making progress at the rate you expected to? If not, what can you shift to achieve your goals?

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