Define your goal and constraints

Knowing what you're optimising for changes every decision that follows.

Instructions

Before you start exploring your idea in detail, take a few minutes to write down what you're actually trying to achieve — and what limits you're working inside.

It's tempting to skip this step. The idea feels exciting; the temptation is to dive into building. But founders who set this foundation early make sharper decisions later. They have something to refer back to when choices get complicated and a way to tell whether they're still on track.

You don't need a perfect plan. You need something honest enough to anchor the rest of your work.

What to aim for

By the end of this exercise, you should be able to describe:

  • What you're trying to achieve with this idea — not just "build a product," but the outcome you actually want.
  • What kind of business this is for you — a side pr...