Shocked, Blocked, Unlocked: Our Real-Talk Learnings from the Startup Journey

As early-stage founders, the path is rarely a straight line. It's a constant dance of unexpected surprises, frustrating roadblocks, and pivotal "aha!" moments that reframe everything. At Solid Ground AI, we’re committed to building in public, and that means sharing the raw, unvarnished truth of our weekly journey.

This week, we played "Shocked, Blocked, Unlocked" to reflect on what truly moved the needle (or stuck us in the mud). We're peeling back the curtain to give you a candid look at the mental shifts and practical insights that surfaced.

🤯 Shocked: The Unexpected Power of Public Building

What surprised us most? The overwhelming, positive response to simply putting ourselves out there.

Matt discussed a "mental hurdle" around social media. Posting videos, commenting, even just sharing his nervous first post felt like a huge leap. But the shocker? The immediate influx of profile views, connections, and genuine engagement. He realized that building a startup in the open was a more effective way to be discovered than traditional job-seeking tactics. Forget perfecting your resume; demonstrate your value loudly.

Kevin experienced a similar shock: support came from completely unexpected places. Not necessarily closest friends, but mission-aligned individuals—new connections reaching out to connect, offer help, and share encouragement. There's an entire, untapped community waiting for you to simply show up and declare your intentions.

Your network is bigger, and more supportive, than you think. Don't be afraid to be visible; it's a powerful accelerant for both your startup and your personal brand.

🚧 Blocked: The Sticky Grip of Old Mindsets

Our biggest block? The stubborn persistence of old ways of thinking.

Matt found himself unconsciously applying outdated assumptions about who our podcast guests should be, even asking permission for things that didn't require it. Kevin realized the "baggage" from previous pivots and corporate norms made him hesitant to embrace new approaches.

We learned that old mindsets – whether from past jobs, failed ventures, or even self-imposed limitations – are incredibly sticky. They can lead you to "bark up the wrong tree," forcing solutions where there isn't a natural fit.

Challenge your assumptions constantly. If something feels too hard (recruiting, coding, selling), it's often a sign that your approach, population, or even the underlying idea needs a re-evaluation. And if you're recently laid off? Action, not just mourning, can be the fastest path to mental recovery and new learnings.

🚀 Unlocked: The Joy of the Positive-Sum Game

Our biggest unlock? The profound shift to a "positive-sum game" mindset, fueled by joy and abundance.

Matt discovered that instead of viewing interactions as transactional or competitive, embracing a "connector" role created immense value. Even sales outreach, traditionally met with "no," became an opportunity to help, connect, and potentially find future collaborations. This isn't just theory; it's a tangible shift that creates new opportunities for everyone involved.

Kevin found the courage to embrace and show joy. In a world that often amplifies negativity, openly sharing enthusiasm felt vulnerable but incredibly rewarding. The result? More optimistic, confident, and genuinely helpful people entering our orbit. This isn't Pollyanna; it's pragmatic. What you put out, you get back. Community truly does lift you higher than competition ever could.

Prioritize helping others. It's not just "good karma"; it's a powerful business strategy that generates more value, deeper connections, and genuine happiness. Lean into joy and vulnerability – it's infectious and attracts the right people.

Your Turn: What's Your #ShockedBlockedUnlocked?

This journey is meant to be shared. We want to hear from you.

• What surprised you this week on your founder journey?
• What mindset or external factor blocked your progress?
• What pivotal insight or action unlocked a new path forward?

We’re here to support you. Connect with us in the comments, share your own story, or reach out directly. Let’s overcome what's stopping you, together.

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