Everyone's a critic

Written May 13, 2011

So, we decided not to apply to TechStars. I feel good about the decision, mostly because it just didn't feel right. It hit me when one of my team members said "It just feels like we're shoving a square peg in a round hole." When logic doesn't seem to tip the scale in one direction or the other, the only thing we have to go on is intuition (and occasionally frivolous astrological guidance, which we'll revisit later).

The tough part about the process of building a new product and starting a business is that everyone's a critic. Some mean well, others are pessimistic by nature. Either way, it's hard to know who to listen to and when to take or leave their advice. There are many people who are smarter, wiser, and more experienced than us, and I have a tendency to put too much weight on the opinions of individuals I respect, but the truth is that no one knows exactly the right thing to do 100% of the time. Fact.

I know that we are going to make mistakes. We could be making one right now by not applying to TechStars, but my hunch is that we're on the right track - because it feels right.

Confession: One of my guilty pleasures include reading my daily horoscope. I found a great app that gives only happy optimistic readings with promises of great fortune. This is especially helpful when facing difficult decisions or situations - a good reminder to stay positive. Here's what today's said:

What someone else thinks about a new idea of yours, or a plan to get ahead financially or career-wise doesn't really matter. You may now be placing far too much weight on a trusted friend's or relative's opinion when you should be concentrating on your own ideas and your own judgment. You aren't giving yourself enough credit, Moonchild. You are not a complete novice; a new venture you had high hopes for is something you have thought about for some time now. Pour your ambition and knowledge into it, and it will flourish - as long as you don't allow someone else's negative opinion to derail you.

So, it could be coincidence, or possibly just crap, but it happens to be exactly what I needed to hear today. Seems like good advice, at the very least.