Why you really don't need to panic

Reflecting on the (crazy) year we've had, I'm personally pretty happy with how I've handled it and continued building my side-project(s). As I think about what got me through it, I thought I'd share a quote that helps me calm down when I feel like I haven't gotten enough done, or "made it" yet:

“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” - Bill Gates

It really is a marathon, not a sprint, and while it can be difficult to see your progress sometimes, if you're doing the work then you are getting closer to whatever it is you're after. Don't panic if you're still trying to get your first users, or launch your MVP, or even if you're still searching for your idea. All of it counts - every step is important, and the most important thing is that you're one of the people actually trying!

While it's easy to think that everyone you see on Indie Hackers or Twitter or social network X was an overnight success, it really isn't the case. If you're here, sharing your progress and building something, you're being successful. If you're learning something, working towards a goal, getting 1% better when you can, you're on the right path.

Take a deep breath and congratulate yourself for making it through 2020.

Good luck for 2021!