Lately, I've been noticing myself fall for a mental trap that I thought I climbed myself out of in my early twenties.
It's this idea that I need one big business idea to rule them all.
My "forever business", because if I'm not trying to build what could be a multi-million dollar idea that I build for the next 20 years, then what's the point of creating these small ones?
This is a dangerous way of thinking, in my experience.
Not because there's anything inherently wrong with wanting to build a massive company.
But for me, it can lead me to believe that:
- If an idea isn’t enormous on day one, it isn’t worth pursuing at all.
- Smaller projects are a waste of time, even though they’re usually the fastest way to learn what actually works.
- Market size and monetization potential is more important than trying solve a real problem for a few people first
What's funny is that I still remember starting my entrepreneurial journey at 23 where my only goal was to create a life where I'm able to wake up and choose to build whatever I want, when I want.
To achieve time freedom...yada yada.
But more importantly, the freedom to act on those moments when an idea flashes through your mind like a bolt of electricity, arriving unannounced in the middle of the most ordinary parts of your day.
(btw thanks chatgpt for helping me articulate this feeling, lol)
You ever play “Would You Rather?” and ask whether you’d rather earn $10k a month with total freedom or $100k a month with no life and nonstop stress?
I’ve always been the person who would take the $10k and the freedom without thinking twice.
Obviously, it’s not always that easy (and your priorities shift with each season of life), but I like to think my 90-year-old self will be glad I worked for reasons bigger than my bank balance.
I'm grateful to say that after 7 years of solopreneurship, I'm in a position to live like this for the first time in my life.
I'm single, living alone, and own a few passive streams of income that keep the lights on.
I'm not rich, but my basic necessities are met.
So, what's the problem?
Well, I’ve learned that temptation still exists every step of the way.
It just changes shape, nudging you to keep shifting the goal post so that satisfaction always feels one step out of reach.
This is when I have to remind myself that the best advice is rarely new.
Reminder to self: Build like you built your first directory
When I started my first directory almost three years ago (that still earns about $2k/month), I genuinely didn't care if it made money.
I mean, I kinda hoped it would, but it was my 5th priority down on the list of reasons for starting to build stuff online.
All I cared about back then was developing my SEO chops. I figured I'd be able to utilize the skill once I did find my "forever business" in the future.
Clearly, there's part of me that feels like I haven't found my "forever business" just yet.
But that's okay.
I still prefer to keep building with the same idea as my north star.
Build to learn and learn while building.
Only now, instead of grasping fundamental SEO tactics, I’m starting to use directories as a playground to explore new skills like n8n automation and LLM-driven SEO.
Stuff that I'm a complete noob at, but sounds really interesting.
So if you’re in the middle of your own project, or thinking about starting something new, maybe let this be your reminder.
You don’t need a million-dollar idea to justify showing up.
You don’t need permission to build something just because you’re curious.
You can always measure success by how much you’re learning, not just by how much you’re earning (hey, that rhymed).
If you made it this far, I have two selfish asks:
First, if you started building directories but quit, why did you quit? And how would I be able to help?
Secondly, if you're an expert at n8n automation and want to teach me a couple things, my inbox is open!
Would love to swap SEO knowledge for n8n knowledge. Thanks!
