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When I first started building tools, I waited for approval that never came. Then one day, I built a small app for a friend's business problem without asking anyone. It solved their pain point so well they asked me to build three more. That's when I realized: meaningful work begins where permission-seeking ends.

During a high-pressure project with impossible deadlines, I stepped back and asked 'What actually matters to the humans using this?' We refocused on the core need—simplifying a complex workflow—and removed everything else. The resulting tool was minimal but deeply impactful, reminding me that purpose creates clarity.

On a challenging project, I invited a junior developer to pair with me. Instead of directing them, I asked: 'What do you see that I'm missing?' Their fresh perspective revealed a simpler approach I would have overlooked. Since then, I've approached every collaboration with the humility to know that wisdom can come from anyone.

After months building a feature-rich platform that users found overwhelming, I rebuilt it as three tiny, focused tools. Usage increased tenfold. I learned that restraint isn't a limitation—it's the pathway to something essential. Now I ask: 'What's the smallest thing we could build that would make the biggest difference?'