I don't think the concept of "don't force it" can be stressed enough. Something I've learned living in Austin where there is a thriving start up community (or a

I don't think the concept of "don't force it" can be stressed enough. Something I've learned living in Austin where there is a thriving start up community (or at least many people who want to do a start up), and from attending SXSW, there seem to be a lot of people who are trying to repeat the success of others by trying to figure out exactly what steps they took, and then attempting to repeat them "cargo cult" style. Maybe there are a lot of successful start ups that were purposely built (i.e. “forced”), but it seems so many of them just kind of evolved, almost as a by-product. Maybe good start up ideas, and start ups in general, are like happiness; if you expressly seek to find it, it is elusive. However, if you merrily go about your way remaining curious, inquisitive and interested, it finds you. When trying to repeat what other successful founders have done, it seems wise to keep the works of Matsuo Basho in mind: “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.” Anyway, I had better get back to my idea brainstorming. I’ve found this great mind mapping tool! ;-)