Aidi — Welcome Back to the Grind, Founders. Yes… Work Has Resumed 😅

If you’re reading this, we’re welcoming you into the new year, and also screaming “the holidays are over!” 

The end of the year break, which some of us looked forward to, is officially over and everyone is already ‘locking in’ in 2026 with an aggressive dedication. Like the Gen Zs will say, "Loveet!”

The rice has finished, the family visits, the end of the year get-togethers and parties are over. Now, it’s time to face all the work we said “we’ll start properly in the new year.” Well, here we are now. New year. New calendar. New energy. Same ambitious founders.

Welcome back!

Every new year comes with pressure. Pressure to have a big plan. Pressure to move fast. Pressure to prove that this year will be “different.” But here’s something no one really says out loud: You don’t have to figure everything out in January. 

Most startups don’t magically become clear because the calendar changed. Clarity usually comes after trying, failing, adjusting, and trying again (sometimes multiple times in the same month). And that’s very okay too. 

This year shouldn’t be about “moving the fastest.” Rather, your focus should be on moving intentionally. About fixing what broke last year, doubling down on what worked, and finally addressing the things you kept pushing to “later.” So if it feels like your year is starting slow, you’re not lazy; you’re human, and there’s still enough time.

This year, don’t be pressured to do everything at once and end up getting burnt out in February or March. Don’t start out writing unrealistic goals and copying every founder you see online. Yes, the year just started and some people are already hitting milestones. But they didn’t get there in 3 days. What you need to do this year, instead is:

• Focus on what truly matters rather than the noise
• Have honest conversations with customers and build solutions that truly matter
• Prioritise progress over perfection
• And rest when your body asks for it

Some days will feel exciting, while other days will feel like “Why did I even start this?” Both are normal and are part of the journey.

So, as you ease back into work, remember that every strong startup you admire once started like you: unsure, hopeful, slightly anxious, but determined. This year is another chance to build smarter, ask better questions, make fewer avoidable mistakes, and enjoy the process a little more than you did last year.

Once again, welcome back, founder. Know that we’re rooting for you, always!