[heintzsight]

Ambition is a form of hope. By definition, you have to be an optimist to start anything. So it's important to counter this with a healthy sense of realism because the truth of the matter is that calling it "difficult" is an understatement.

Know your business model. Know how many steps it takes for you to monetize anything. Know your audience.

I would also say it's important to find good advisors. A good accountant/CPA is very important and it may be worthwhile to meet with a good lawyer. We created CEA (certified entrepreneurship advisor - https://ceanow.org) after seeing how much good advice is so needed and have courses on business planning and entrepreneurship.