In a world full of noise, distractions, and endless planning, the real winners are those who lock in. Locking in means committing fully, cutting out the fluff, and building something tangible—fast. This isn’t about chasing perfection or dreaming of million-dollar exits. It’s about momentum, small wins, and getting your hands dirty. Here’s how to lock in, go head down, and build something that matters.
1. Learn to Code—Fast
Want to build something real? Start with code. You don’t need a computer science degree or years of experience. Lock yourself in a hotel room (metaphorically or literally) for two months and teach yourself to code. Focus on JavaScript and Next.js. Why? They’re powerful, versatile, and in demand.
Tools like ChatGPT or Claude can guide you through errors, explain concepts, and even review your code. Build small projects—a to-do app, a portfolio site, a simple API. Don’t aim for mastery; aim for competence. In 60 days, you’ll be dangerous enough to ship something.
2. Validate with Low-Code MVPs
Once you’ve got the basics, don’t overengineer. Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test your idea. Tools like Tally let you create forms to collect payments or feedback without writing a single line of backend code. Got an idea for a niche SaaS? Set up a landing page with Tally, share it on X, and see if anyone bites.
The goal isn’t a polished product—it’s validation. If people are willing to pay, you’re onto something. If not, pivot fast.
3. Start Niche, Then Broaden
Don’t try to solve world hunger on day one. Pick a specific problem in a niche market. For example, instead of building “a better social media platform,” create a tool for freelance designers to track client feedback. Nailing a small, clear problem builds trust and gives you a foundation to expand later.
Think of it like planting a seed. Start small, nurture it, and let it grow into something bigger over time.
4. Keep Pricing Simple
Pricing can paralyze you if you let it. Don’t overcomplicate things with tiers, discounts, or freemium models right out of the gate. Start with frictionless pricing: one clear price for one clear value. If you’re selling a tool, charge $10/month. If it’s a service, quote a flat rate. Test and tweak as you go.
Simple pricing builds trust and gets money in the door. You can optimize later.
5. Sell Fast, Don’t Overthink
Here’s a real-world example: someone built MakeLogo, a simple logo generator, and sold it for $65,000 in cash in under six months. How? They didn’t wait for a perfect product or a massive user base. They listed it on Acquire.com, created a clean landing page, and marketed it to the right buyers.
The lesson? Ship, sell, move on. Don’t fall in love with your creation—fall in love with the process.
6. Forget 10k MRR on Day 1
Chasing “10k monthly recurring revenue” or “scalable systems” from the start is a trap. Your first goal is simpler: make your first dollar. That first sale proves your idea has legs. From there, focus on small wins—another customer, a better feature, a smoother onboarding flow.
Momentum compounds. Instead of dreaming about unicorn status, optimize for progress. Every step forward counts.
Lock In and Start Now
Locking in isn't about isolating yourself forever or burning out. It's about focus, discipline, and action. Turn off notifications, carve out time, and build something real. You don't need permission, funding, or a co-founder. You need a keyboard, a problem to solve, and the willingness to start small.
So, what are you waiting for? Go head down, ship something, and let the wins stack up.
Further Reading
Read more about locking in and building with community power in our follow-up article: Lock In and Build: Crafting a Niche SaaS with Community Power.