Dear SaaStr: How Do I Build Conviction To Start a Startup?
Building conviction to start a startup is about seeing The Future—and believing in it so deeply that you’re willing to commit 7–10 years of your life to making it real.
Conviction doesn’t come from just dreaming, it comes from doing the work to validate your vision and proving to yourself that it’s worth the grind.
Here’s how you can build that conviction:
-
Talk to 20+ Customers: If you’re not sure yet, go out and talk to potential customers. Ask them about their pain points, their workflows, and what they’d pay to solve their problems. If you see their eyes light up when you describe your solution, you’re onto something. If they’re indifferent, you might need to refine your idea or target a different persona. This process will either solidify your belief in the opportunity or save you from wasting years on something that doesn’t resonate.
-
Find a Great Co-Founder. Don’t Lower the Bar Here: Conviction is easier to build when you’re not alone. A co-founder who complements your skills who believes in the vision as much as you do can make all the difference. They’ll push you when you’re doubting yourself and help you see angles you might have missed. Plus, having someone to share the load makes the journey less lonely and more manageable.
-
Prove the Concept: Build a prototype, even if it’s scrappy. Show it to people. If you can get even one or two customers to pay for it—or at least commit to using it—you’ll feel a surge of confidence. Early traction, even if it’s small, is a huge motivator.
-
Commit to the Long Game: Conviction comes from accepting that this isn’t a quick win. You’re signing up for a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re not ready to commit 7–10 years to this, you’re not ready to start. But if you can see yourself grinding through the tough times because you believe in the outcome, you’re on the right track.
-
Find a Mentor or Investor Who Believes in You: Sometimes, conviction comes from external validation. If someone believes in you—whether it’s a mentor, an early investor, or even a trusted friend—it can give you the extra push you need. When someone you respect bets on you, it reinforces your own belief in your ability to succeed.
-
Test Your Own Resolve: Ask yourself, “If I don’t do this, will I regret it in 10 years?” If the answer is yes, that’s your conviction. Regret is a powerful motivator, and it’s often a sign that you’re onto something meaningful.
Ultimately, conviction isn’t about eliminating doubt—it’s about deciding to move forward despite it. The best founders I’ve worked with didn’t have all the answers when they started, but they had enough belief in their vision to take the leap. If you’re close but not quite there, do the work: talk to customers, find a co-founder, and validate your idea. Conviction will follow.
A bit more here:
