Ask HN: Too many ideas to work on. How do I discern which one to choose?

6 points by biznerd 9 years ago | 7 comments

I simply have too many ideas. I can perhaps narrow them down to 5. How can I choose the winner?

I don't think it's a good idea to work on more than one project, but that's just me.

meifun 9 years ago |

I have a few notebooks full of ideas. Detailed ideas.

I usually take a look and decide what would be the most interesting for me to work on at the time. I figure if I am interested, I'll stay motivated and therefore have a better chance of completion.

nnn1234 9 years ago |

I would say expose them to the light of day, have people critique them. If you are really self aware try to match your skills to what the implementation to each idea requires. Easier way ( shameless plug follows) I am part of a team to crowdsource such work or atleast the customer development and feedback part for now. Going live on Feb 8 th. Check out www.crowdraising.co Not .com

erik14th 9 years ago |

I like Musk's take: "work on the most important thing".[0]

If money is enough to drive you, try to find out which is more profitable should do it, but being useful and good to people and mankind in general is an added bonus and motivation.

[0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycJeht-Mfus

chatmasta 9 years ago | |

But don't forget Musk worked on X.com/PayPal before he ever worried about the "mankind" side of things. It's a long life, hopefully. Take your time.

WolfOliver 9 years ago |

"I don't think it's a good idea to work on more than one project", yes I also think that's a bad idea.

Do you want to realize the ideas for fun, for profit or to learn something?

biznerd 9 years ago | |

Profit!

imauld 9 years ago | | |

Make a pitch for 3 of your ideas that you think have the potential to make the most money. Pitch them to your friends/colleagues/people whose opinion you trust who would be in the market for such a product.

Ask them which one you think is best/most likely to be a product they would use. Tell them it's okay to say none of them. If no one thinks those 3 are good move on to the next.