The Idea Maze and Execution Mindset

The idea state machine

Think of the idea state machine above as a recipe that tells you what to do next.

How to develop a good idea?

1. Develop a bird's eye view of the idea maze
• understand all the permutations of the idea and the branching of the decision tree
• gaming things out to the end of each scenario
2. Develop an obsession with the market / the idea maze
3. Study historical players that failed or succeeded in the maze
4. Think deeply about others who have gone before you and failed or succeeded 
5. Explain how you are different or you will navigate it better

The Execution Mindset

The execution mindset is in two parts:

1. do the next thing on the todo list
2. rewrite the list in response to progress

The list is essentially the plan - stay focused on what needs to happen and be flexible to "rewrite" the list in response to progress.

 References

• Startup Engineering Lecture 5