Introduction
In the world of startups, there’s a piece of advice that resurfaces time and time again: sometimes you have to just do it. This phrase, often associated with big brand like Nike, carries a crucial message for entrepreneurs trying to make their mark in a fast-paced, uncertain business landscape. For those in the startup world, this phrase embodies the concept of “learning by doing”—the idea that taking action, even without complete information or certainty, is often the best way to move forward and learn.
The Problem with Waiting for Perfect
One of the biggest pitfalls for budding entrepreneurs is the desire to wait for the “perfect” moment, product, or strategy before launching. The truth is, in the volatile environment of a startup, perfection is a myth. Markets shift, customer needs evolve, and competition springs up out of nowhere. Waiting for the ideal scenario can mean missed opportunities. When you’re building something new, it’s more important to get started than to have every detail worked out.
Startups that succeed are often the ones that take risks, test ideas quickly, and iterate based on real-world feedback. This is the essence of “just doing it.”
Learning by Doing
One of the fundamental concepts behind “just doing it” is experiential learning. In the startup world, you can study markets, competitors, and business models endlessly, but you won’t truly learn until you start building, selling, and interacting with customers.
Learning by doing is particularly important because:
- Theoretical knowledge only gets you so far – Books and mentors provide valuable insight, but startups need to contend with ever-changing realities. Once you’re in the field, you begin to see challenges and opportunities that you couldn’t anticipate beforehand.
- Execution is more valuable than ideas – It’s easy to get trapped in the idea stage. But execution is what separates successful entrepreneurs from dreamers. Taking action leads to tangible results—whether they are failures or successes, each step offers critical lessons.
- Adaptability is key – No startup’s path is linear. By “just doing it” and launching something—even if it’s a minimum viable product (MVP)—you gain invaluable insights into what works and what doesn’t. You learn faster what customers need, what the market is looking for, and where to pivot.
- Failure is a teacher – Inaction doesn’t lead to failure, but it also doesn’t lead to learning. Many successful startups today are the result of failed experiments. Dropbox, for example, started as a simple demo video that generated interest before the product was even built. Through action, they learned what customers wanted.
The Importance of Momentum
One reason “just doing it” is so important is the momentum it creates. Getting started builds confidence and leads to small victories. Every step forward—whether it’s launching a landing page, making your first sale, or gaining your first round of feedback—builds momentum. This momentum is essential for maintaining morale, attracting talent, and securing investors.
In contrast, startups that wait too long to launch or hesitate to execute get caught in cycles of analysis paralysis. They risk losing their edge, becoming irrelevant, or burning out before they even begin.
Case Studies of “Just Doing It” in Action
- Airbnb: Before they became a billion-dollar company, Airbnb’s founders struggled to get funding. They couldn’t find anyone who believed in their concept of renting air mattresses to strangers. Instead of giving up, they launched their website for a design conference in San Francisco. The platform wasn’t perfect, and the business model was uncertain. But that first launch led to crucial feedback, which helped them improve the service and grow into the giant it is today.
- Instagram: Originally, Instagram started as Burbn, a check-in app with photo features. It wasn’t gaining traction, so the founders decided to “just do it” and refocus on the one feature users loved: photo sharing. That pivot, made possible by quick experimentation and action, led to the Instagram we know today.
Balancing Risk with Action
Of course, “just doing it” doesn’t mean acting recklessly. It’s not about ignoring the need for research, strategy, or a solid business plan. Instead, it’s about finding the balance between preparation and action. The best entrepreneurs are those who take calculated risks, test their assumptions, and continuously iterate.
In practical terms, this might mean launching a product with only core features, testing the market before investing heavily, or experimenting with different business models. It’s about building in small steps, learning, and then adjusting based on what the market tells you.
Conclusion: Action Breeds Opportunity
In startups, waiting for the stars to align is rarely a winning strategy. Entrepreneurs who embrace the mindset of “just doing it” understand that action, even with uncertainty, leads to progress. They know that the best way to learn is by diving in and gaining real-world experience. By doing so, they stay ahead of the curve, iterate faster, and position themselves for long-term success.
So, if you’re launching a startup or trying to bring an idea to life, remember: sometimes you have to stop planning, stop hesitating, and just do it.
Leave a Reply