I’ve always been the kind of person who loves to start things. I’ve built multiple startups. I know how to create traction, build momentum, and get things moving.
Getting from 0 to 1 was never a problem for me. In fact, I enjoyed that phase the most — brainstorming, launching, talking to early users, and seeing things take shape. That energy kept me going.
But somewhere along the way, I hit a plateau. Every time.
The initial buzz would settle. The chaos would turn into routine. And I’d feel stuck.
For a long time, I didn’t understand why this kept happening. I blamed timing, the market, even bad luck.
Only recently, I realised the truth.
I’ve always been good at building the foundation of a startup. But I never focused on building the long-term structure.
I didn’t build systems. I didn’t bring in the right people to grow what I started. I didn’t think of the next phase because I was too caught up in the early wins.
And that’s where I missed.
Looking back, I should have either exited at the right time or brought in someone who could take it forward. Someone who loves to scale, manage teams, and build processes — the things that honestly don’t excite me.
This is a common mistake many founders make — we think we have to do everything ourselves. But the real growth comes when we know our strength and let others handle the rest.
If you’re someone who loves starting up, that’s your superpower. But don’t let that become your limit.
Here’s what I’ve learnt:
- Build with a team that complements you.
- Plan not just for launch, but for what comes after.
- Know when to step back or hand over.
I’m not writing this with regret — I’m writing this with clarity. And if you’re going through the same cycle, I hope this helps you see your pattern too.
Your strength is valuable. Use it wisely. And next time you build something just think beyond just starting.
AnandNataraj 