Doubt.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this word lately.
A “brilliant” idea pops into my head. I believe it has some legs. I do a little bit of research and get excited about the opportunity.
Then I start going deep down the rabbit hole. This includes talking to people in the industry, reading more articles, writing down notes and checking the soundness of the idea.
That’s exactly when I get the doubts. I start thinking things like, “I don’t know enough” and “this idea won’t work” and “someone else can and will execute on this idea better than I could.”
It literally happens every time. I’ve launched three companies (soon to be four – here’s more on that from my Content Inc. podcast last week) and a non-profit organization, and each time, right before I pull the trigger, I get “the doubts.”
Does this happen to you?
I’m assuming it happens to a lot of people or there would be way more people starting businesses, writing novels and experimenting with life.
So what happens when you get “the doubts?” You have to push through. You see, every person on the face of the earth is capable of amazing ideas. But just a small percentage of those people actually take the leap.
I’m about the embark on starting my fourth business (more to come on that in a later newsletter), and I can definitely tell you I have “the doubts.” What comforts me this time is that it’s a familiar feeling. I get this feeling every. single. time. It’s natural. It’s the brain wanting to stay in its comfort zone and push you back toward the couch.
All I’m here to tell you is that it’s normal. Yes, a lot of people have your idea. Yes, your idea is not completely original. Yes, people will think you are crazy.
Are you done being worried now?
Good. Now kick those doubts out the way and take the leap.
Clubhouse Kicks
Clubhouse, the new social media audio app, is on fire. Just months ago the company was worth less than $100 million (nothing to sneeze at). This week, after a new investment round, they are valued at $1 billion.
If you don’t know what it is, it’s like jumping in and out of party lines (remember party lines?). It’s all audio. There are generally a few people talking while everyone else is listening. You can always see who’s on the line.
The latest funding round will focus on building a revenue stream for creators on the platform. All the big platforms now are rolling out new and innovative creator revenue programs. For example, YouTube has paid out over $30 billion to creators in the past three years.
I’ve spent a bit of time on clubhouse. I can see the appeal. RIght now, with about two million members, you can easily find yourself in a room with a celebrity or influencer. I’m sure Clubhouse will go through some major growing pains (they are growing super fast right now and they are still invite only…it’s not open to the public yet).
The following was an excerpt from Joe’s newsletter. Only subscribers receive the full version.