In the world of entrepreneurship, start-ups, and tech-wizzes there’s a method of creation called proof of concept. Basically you come up with an idea, you create a proof of concept to prove your idea, and then you move forward. You start implementing the concept with a minimum viable product (MVP), a product based around the hypothesized idea for the minimum cost/effort, and judge the reaction to your product. This allows you to be lean and nimble while exploring the best path for your product.
Proof of Concept in Daily Habits
You can develop good habits in a similar way. You come up with an idea, say dieting and then explore different diets, their effects on your body, and the best ways to achieve a diet. Once your research is complete you can start with a proof of concept. Maybe you go a week or two dieting the way you researched. Then explore how your body reacts, research if those reactions are normal, and make a few tweaks. This can be applied to almost any habit: getting up earlier, cutting down on caffeine, reading daily, or many other habits you want to get better at.
Minimum Viable Product and Side-Project Creation
If you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur or small business owner you can start applying the proof of concept and MVP approach to a side project. Instead of starting with a big idea and trying to start from the top of the pyramid, you can break the business idea down to smaller chunks.
With the first smaller chunk you can employ a proof of concept and create a MVP in a couple of hours. Although this isn’t your finished product, it gives you an idea of what potential clients are looking for. You can then go back to the drawing board, tweaking this and that, until you find a solution. Over time each chunk has been proven successful and you can build your pyramid by combining the chunks.
Think Like an Entrepreneur
Using this mindset helps you develop ways to tackle new problems that arise on a daily basis. It teaches you how to cope in difficult situations, how to improve your habits, and build a company from scratch. Although you may not consider your thought process as a proof of concept, a lot of times that’s how we think. Being cognizant of these two phrases can help you formulate new ways of finding solutions.