Dear SaaStr: How Do I Focus On The Right Things as a Solo Founder
This is a classic founder trap—getting pulled into tasks that feel productive but don’t actually move the needle. It’s especially tough as a solo founder because there’s no one else to hold you accountable or redirect your focus. But the good news is, you’re already aware of the pattern, and that’s half the battle.
Here’s how I’d approach it:
1. Define Your North Star Metric
Every founder needs a clear, singular goal that drives everything. It might be revenue growth, customer acquisition, or retention. Whatever it is, make sure every task you take on ties directly to that metric. If it doesn’t, it’s probably a distraction. This kind of prioritization forces you to focus on what truly matters.
2. Adopt a 90/10 Rule
Ask yourself: “How do I get 90% of the result with 10% of the effort?” This is especially useful for tasks like refactoring or tweaking marketing copy. Perfectionism is a killer in startups. Get something good enough out the door, and iterate later based on real feedback.
3. Set Weekly Goals and Stick to Them
At the start of each week, write down 3-5 things you *must* accomplish that align with your North Star Metric. These are non-negotiable. If you find yourself drifting into rabbit holes, remind yourself of these priorities. It’s a simple system, but it works.
4. Create Accountability
Even as a solo founder, you can create external accountability. Share your weekly goals with a mentor, a peer, or even a founders’ group. Knowing someone else is watching can help you stay disciplined. You’ve mentioned navigating burnout and seeking support in founders’ groups before—this could be a great way to frame your focus and invite constructive feedback.
5. Recognize the “Happy Flow” Trap
Sometimes we gravitate toward tasks we enjoy or are good at, even if they’re not what the business needs. It’s a comfort zone thing. But startups are about doing what’s necessary, not what’s fun. If you catch yourself in this trap, pause and ask: “Is this what the business truly needs right now?” If not, pivot.
6. Templatize and Automate
For repetitive tasks, create templates or systems to streamline them. This reduces the mental load and frees you up to focus on higher-value activities. For example, if you’re spending too much time on client proposals, create a reusable template that gets you 90% of the way there.
7. Be Ruthless About Saying No.
You’ve already recognized the need to say no to energy-draining activities. Extend that to tasks that don’t directly contribute to your goals. It’s not about being lazy, it’s about being strategic with your time and energy.
Finally, give yourself some grace. Every founder struggles with this to some degree. The key is to build systems and habits that keep you focused on what matters most. You’re already on the right track by identifying the issue—now it’s about execution.
