The Reality Check Every Solo Developer Needs
From a voice journal on November 23, 2025.
I’ve been having some self doubt, and I’m gonna talk about it.
Right now I’m driving home for the holidays, and I am very tired. (Probably because of this candy I was eating)
I’m ready to be at my parents’ place. My dog and I have two hours to go, which is nice, but we also have two hours to go. -___-
In the four hours we’d been on the road, I had thoughts crossing my mind about my app, Small Wins Method and my capabilities.
The Comparison Trap
I also have thoughts about the wins that I have in Small Wins Method, and how it shows me I am capable of what I’ve already done, and I can use what I have already done as proof that I can do the next things.
But it’s still like, how can I manage it all?
I look at other people’s belongings and I compare myself to them. On side of me is like “Why can’t I have those things?” and the other side is like, “I’ll get those things if I’m meant to get them.”
But still.
Strangely, what brings me comfort is believing that if I was meant to be monetarily wealthy, I would be.
If I was meant to make money from my apps right now, I would be.
I don’t know how that person got their car or their wealth. Who knows? They may have been working for 20 years to finally get it.
I have to remind myself that I’ve only been making apps for a year. I mean, that’s longer than I can say about a lot of things that I’ve stuck with in the past.
When Feedback Triggers Doubt
I do feel some self doubt on the message for Small Wins Method, and how the it’s being received to my target audience.
I cannot remember if I started having these thoughts when I got some feedback from someone about my app.
This someone put a post on Threads stating they would give feedback on your app. I submitted of course and they sent a screenshot of a keyboard within my app that was kind of wonky.
It made me think, “can I handle all the wonky things that are going on within the app…. and maintain the branding…. and get people to come to the app or buy the book?”
This is a lot for one person. Especially someone who has a full time job and life.
{Inhale}
Note to Self: I’ll get what I want when it’s time. Keep doing what makes you happy and abundance will come to you.
{Exhale}
The Consensus
So the consensus is to keep doing what I’m doing.
Continuing to be consistent in my efforts and being happy while doing things with intention.
Abundance will follow.
As of right now, I’m so concerned about the number of downloads, the number of people that are on my website or whatever, and the reach that I’m getting, but what will be, will be.
Key Takeaways
1. Your past wins are proof of your capability. When self doubt creeps in, look back at what you’ve already accomplished. A year of consistent work is something to acknowledge. (That’s literally the purpose of Small Wins Method)
2. Comparison is a creativity killer. Looking at what others have (even if it’s someone’s car) while you’re building your own thing will only drain your energy.
3. Feedback can trigger doubt spirals. One screenshot of a wonky keyboard can make you question everything. That’s okay, but it doesn’t mean the feedback is defining your worth or capability.
4. Consistency beats perfection. The answer isn’t to have it all figured out. The answer is to keep showing up and doing what makes you happy (with intention).
5. Physical state affects mental state. Being tired and eating junk food on a road trip can amplify vulnerable feelings. Sometimes self doubt isn’t about your business at all.
6. Abundance follows intention and joy. Instead of obsessing over download numbers and reach, focus on creating content with intention and doing work that makes you happy. The rest will follow when it’s time.
What helps you push through self doubt when building something new?
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