[croes]

Ever thought that his anxieties are the result of his failing business and not how he started? And life is telling nothing. There is no guaranteed way of success. You can have all the abilities and knowledge you need and still fail miserably. Luck is a large part of every success story. Nobody has really unique capabilities.

[bawolff]

Not to be harsh, but that seems even worse. If you can't handle failures and set backs, you even more so should not be in the start up business because those things are definitely going to happen, a lot, if you are running any sort of business.

Its the same as if you are terrified of heights, being a professional mountain climber is a very bad plan. You either need to get over it somehow quickly or choose a different career.

And there is nothing wrong with that. We all have unique strengths and weaknesses. Success comes from following our strengths not trying to plow through our weaknesses.

[cortesoft]

I am confused by this sort of comment pointing out that he was not cut out for the life of an independent developer... well, yeah, that is what his essay is saying - that he is not cut out to be an independent developer. He thought he was, did it for a year, and realized he was not cut out for it.

I don't understand this comment and the other similar ones acting like they are somehow adding insight... yes, he couldn't make it as an independent developer, that is literally the point of the essay.

Repeating the reasons he lays out in the essay and saying "yeah, you won't succeed as an independent developer" seems a little like hearing someone at Alcoholics Anonymous tell their story and then responding, "Yeah, it sounds like you can't have a healthy relationship with alcohol"

[bawolff]

I'm responding to what the parent wrote not the original article.

[thothamon]

To the extent he is speaking only for himself and not making any kind of larger point, I'm not sure why it's on the front page of Hacker News.

To the extent he's making a point such as "I gained nothing from this experience" or that he's asking for advice or thoughts, I think some of the thoughts -- such as working toward your strengths rather than through your weaknesses -- are interesting.

[xupybd]

I'm terrified of heights. I used to install antennas and satellite dishes. It was great I had to get over my fear. I got to the point where I enjoyed getting up on a two story roof and walking around.

Fast forward 15 years of not doing it and I'm terrified to go up on a roof.

My point is you may have an inclination to be afraid of something but don't let that limit you. You probably can face your fears and overcome.

[croes]

Who says he can't handle failure? There is between processing a situation afterwards and be activly in it. And it seems to be his first time. If he tries a second time, it could be a different outcome.

[hn_throwaway_99]

That is certainly not how it came through in his post. I thought he made it pretty clear he had terrible anxiety promoting his ideas and products.