Founder Self-Discovery Framework

Looking to start a new business?

Use this template to figure out what you like, dislike, what makes you tick, what your strengths and weaknesses are.

By writing it down, you make it more concrete and build self-awareness. Through self-awareness you can take action. Through action, you can attain alignment and clarity.

Through alignment and clarity, you can enjoy your work and life more. Stress less and feel more focused.

What is self-discovery?

Self-discovery is the act of getting to know yourself, attainable (among other ways) through simple self-reflection. If you need to do more work on yourself, check out Simple Journal

Running an existing business?

You can still use this template. After you answer, think how you could make the things you dislike more likable, how you could do more of what you like & feel excited about, and less what you dislike. There's almost always a way.

Prototype

Note that this site is a prototype. Your answers are not saved, persisted, or sent anywhere. Take a screenshot to keep your answers :)

What have I liked or enjoyed in the past?

These are your desires. Get more of these and do more of these. If starting a new business, consider if you could deliver these to other people while you solve their problems?

What have I disliked in the past?

These are your pains. The things you hate. Often a problem can almost be solved just by being aware of it. Those that can't, you can either deliberately suffer through, choose not to do, or consider prime candidates for a new business to solve. Obviously, the less you dislike about your work, the better! Another question to ask is: How would you turn some of these into things you can like?

What has made me excited lately?

These are the things that make you tick. It is way easier to work on things you are excited about. It is way easier to attract attention to your work if you can talk about things you are genuinely excited about. If you want to sell, you need attention.

What am I capable at?

These are the things where you can be useful to other people. Note that you don't necessarily have to be good at something to consider yourself capable. It is enough that you can get things done. When you are useful, people can pay you.

What am I not the best at?

With these things, you you can either hire help (human or 🤖), get better at, or be willing to suck at. It can be difficult to be honest with oneself about what goes here. Try. Consider these problems as well—ones that could be solved and made easier. These days, a software solution or a ready made kit can go a long way.