Signs you're actually on the right path ... even though it feels like chaos

As a Founder, nobody warned you that "building something real" would feel this messy. The undertones and side glances from your family, friends, peers and colleagues, slight tuts as if to say the dream feels just too big too dream.

And if you're waiting for the moment it feels under control, forget it. You might be waiting a long time, like a very long time. Each stage will bring a new set of chaos as that's just what change does - each and every time. You're fast-tracking change so it's best to be the Master of Change otherwise it will control you.

Here are signs that the chaos you're in isn't a red flag, it's just what progress looks like at this early stage:

1. You've changed your mind about your idea at least twice.That's not indecision. That's you actually listening to the market instead of falling in love with your first assumption. It's a guide and if you wake up feeling 'aa this isn't working, guess what, that tail wind will move you along a lot faster so eventually everything stops working'.

2. You're busier than ever, but revenue still feels far away. Early traction is often invisible. Yet traction also includes relationships, reputation and small proof points within your market that don't show up on a dashboard yet.

3. You feel like an imposter in rooms you used to want to be in. That discomfort means you're growing faster than your confidence can keep up. There's always a slight lag as to where you should be and where you're at.

4. You've had to say no to something that used to feel exciting. Focus isn't a loss, it's the first real sign and razor-sharp thinking you know what you're building.

5. You're tired in a new way. Not burnt out, just stretched. There's a difference and most founders learn to tell them apart around this exact stage.

Progress rarely feels like progress while it's happening and if this sounds familiar, you're probably closer than you think

And if you want to talk this through with people who get it and not feel like you need to explain it from scratch each and every time, then that's exactly what our tables are for.