I still remember the feeling.
It was just me, my laptop, and a blank Notion page. No roadmap, no boss, no teammates — just ideas and an odd mix of excitement and fear.
That was the beginning of “5Hours App”.
I didn’t have a product yet. I wasn’t sure who my audience was. And I definitely didn’t have a clue how to monetize.
But I started anyway. I told myself: “I’ll figure it out along the way.”
And I did — sort of.
The first year taught me more than any course or book ever could. It wasn’t linear. It wasn’t always fun. But it was the year I built a real foundation for the solo path I’m walking today.
If you’re in your first year — or just thinking about going solo — here are 5 honest lessons from mine.
Lesson 1 — Clarity Comes from Action, Not Thinking
I wasted so much time trying to map out the perfect plan.
For weeks, I obsessed over logo colors, website layouts, course ideas… without ever launching anything. I thought I needed clarity first — but it turns out, clarity follows action, not the other way around.
It wasn’t until I shipped my first free resource (the Solo Starter Kit) that I started to understand what people actually needed. Feedback brought focus. Movement brought momentum.
✅ If you’re stuck planning, just start small. Launch a messy draft. Write that first blog post. Share your thoughts. That’s where clarity lives.
Lesson 2 — Build an Audience Before You Need One
This one hit hard.
I created a product before I had an audience. I thought: “Build it and they will come.” They didn’t.
Without trust, traffic, or attention — it’s really hard to sell anything.
That’s when I realized: You need to give before you ask.
Once I started showing up consistently — writing, sharing value, being real — people started to care. They subscribed. They replied. And some even bought.
Now, every piece of content I create is a long-term investment in relationships.
✅ Don’t wait to “feel ready.” Start building your audience now. It’s the foundation for everything else.
Lesson 3 — Discipline Matters More Than Motivation
I love the rush of a new idea. The spark of starting something.
But that spark fades.
There were days I didn’t feel like writing. Or designing. Or doing anything productive. And in those moments, I realized: motivation is a luxury — but discipline is a system.
I set up weekly planning rituals for myself.
I committed to publishing one post a week — no matter what.
I built a Notion dashboard that made showing up easier.
That rhythm kept me moving even on slow days.
✅ Set systems that support you. Don’t rely on energy spikes. Build habits you can show up to, rain or shine.
Lesson 4 — Not All Advice Is Meant for You
I consumed so much advice in the beginning. Podcasts, newsletters, YouTube videos — you name it.
But the more I consumed, the more confused I became.
One expert says “Start with high-ticket coaching.”
Another says “Scale with evergreen products.”
Someone else shouts “Build a personal brand first!”
They weren’t wrong — just not right for me.
It took a while to realize that advice is context-dependent. What worked for a 10-year content creator won’t necessarily work for someone just starting. And that’s okay.
Eventually, I filtered advice through a simple question:
👉 Does this align with my strengths, audience, and lifestyle goals?
If yes — I tested it. If no — I let it go.
✅ Advice is helpful, but your path is yours. Learn to trust your gut, not just gurus.
Lesson 5 — Your Energy Is the Real Asset
Time management is important. But for solopreneurs, energy management is everything.
There were weeks when I had 10 hours free but no mental fuel to create. And there were days when 2 focused hours moved me further than a whole distracted day.
It hit me: I am the engine of my business. If I burn out, everything stops.
So I started protecting my energy:
- No more saying yes to everything.
- Daily walks instead of endless scrolling.
- Rest days that feel like strategy, not laziness.
Now, I design my schedule around focus, not hustle. Because when I feel good, my work is better — and faster.
✅ Don’t just manage time. Manage your energy like it’s your most precious resource — because it is.
Final Reflections — What I’d Tell Day-One Me
If I could go back and talk to myself on that first Notion page, I’d say this:
“It’s going to take longer than you expect. But it’ll be more meaningful than you can imagine.”
You don’t have to figure it all out right now. You just need to keep moving. One post. One idea. One person at a time.
This solo path? It’s not easy. But it’s yours.
You get to decide what success looks like.
You get to choose what you build — and how you build it.
So start small.
Stay honest.
And trust that your work, done consistently and intentionally, will compound into something you’re proud of.
That’s what this first year taught me.
FAQ: First-Year Solopreneur Questions
Q1: What’s the best first step as a solopreneur?
Start by helping one person with one problem — then document it. Action creates clarity.
Q2: How do I stay motivated when I’m working alone?
Create structure: weekly goals, content plans, small rituals. Don’t wait for motivation — build momentum.
Q3: Do I need a niche right away?
No. Explore first. The niche often emerges through doing, not thinking.
Q4: How do I make money early on?
Start with freelancing or services to get cash flow. Then reinvest into building digital products or content.
Q5: Is it worth it?
Yes. If freedom, creativity, and growth matter to you — this path is hard, but deeply rewarding.
Thanks for reading.
If this helped you, consider sharing it with a fellow solopreneur.
And if you’re looking for tools, templates, and no-fluff advice to help you grow — StartWithMe.online is your home.
— Hoàng Ân
