Shipping Mode vs Research Mode

Most weeks of solo-founder paralysis aren't a focus problem. They're a mode problem — trying to ship and research at the same time.

Shipping mode

• Goal: get something live this week.
• Mindset: every decision is a tie-breaker; pick fast, ship.
• Calendar: blocked, no calls.

Research mode

• Goal: kill or confirm an assumption.
• Mindset: slow down, ask, read, prototype.
• Calendar: full of customer conversations.

The conflict

You can't ship while you're still asking. You can't research while you're shipping. Pick one for the week. Tell your team. Switch on Monday, not Wednesday.

A simple ritual

End each week with a 15-minute review: did I do what I picked? If no, was it because I should have been in the other mode? Adjust next week's pick accordingly.