The "Who Even Needs This?" Monster

Hey 👋

Let's talk about that uninvited guest that shows up around month 3 of building your startup. You know the one. You started with fire in your belly, convinced you're building the next big thing. Then slowly, quietly, it creeps in:

"Who even needs this?"

"Why would anyone pay for this?"

"Am I just building a solution looking for a problem?"

Been there. Still visit there sometimes. Here's what I've learned about wrestling this demon:

1. Talk to Users, Not Your Mirror

When doubt hits, your brain becomes an echo chamber. Break the loop. Schedule 5 user calls this week. Not surveys. Real conversations. Ask them about their problems, not your solution. Their pain points will either validate your direction or help you pivot before it's too late.

2. Find Your "One Person"

You don't need millions. You need one person who gets unreasonably excited about what you're building. That one customer who emails you at midnight with feature ideas. That's your proof of concept. Everyone else comes later.

3. Document Small Wins

Start a "Hell Yeah" folder. Screenshot every positive feedback, every small win, every moment someone said "This is exactly what I needed!" Open it when doubt creeps in. It's not vanity – it's evidence.

4. Remember: Every Giant Started Tiny

Airbnb's founders sold cereal to stay afloat. Instagram was a check-in app called Burbn. Your "who needs this?" phase might just be the cocoon before the butterfly.

5. Set Micro-Milestones

Instead of "change the world," try "get 10 users this week" or "solve one specific problem really well." Momentum kills doubt better than motivation ever will.

Here's the thing – sometimes the doubt is right. Sometimes nobody needs what you're building. But you won't know that from thinking. You'll know it from shipping, testing, and iterating. The worst outcome isn't failure; it's wondering "what if?"

So when that voice whispers "Who even needs this?" – answer it with data, not anxiety. Ship something. Get feedback. Iterate. The market will tell you the truth faster than your doubts ever will.

What's your go-to strategy for fighting founder doubt?