Five years ago, when I became a CTO, I never imagined how that title would become such a big part of who I am. I also didn't expect that one day I would decide to leave it behind. Yet here I am, on a journey that goes far beyond a simple career change: a personal, challenging, and unpredictable journey toward building something of my own.
The Day I Decided to Leave Security for a Dream
I clearly remember the day I made the decision. After five years leading tech teams, designing systems, and solving complex problems, I had reached what many would consider the peak of a technical career. However, something inside pushed me to seek a different path. It wasn't discontent that I felt, but the certainty that there was a different road waiting for me, a road only I could walk.
Deeditt had existed for several years already, but now, for the first time, I was in a position where I could devote myself to making it something big. I wasn't looking to move away from technology, but to use it as a tool to bring to life an idea that I believe can positively impact many people.
When the Invisible Weighs More Than the Visible
For years, my professional life was measured in concrete deliverables: launched systems, solved problems, formed teams. Everything was tangible, measurable, visible.
Now, my days pass in a much more abstract territory. One day I'm researching user acquisition strategies, the next I'm analyzing behavior patterns of the few users I have. I write content, question my decisions, adjust details on the platform, and then return to the drawing board.
The weight of the invisible is something I had never experienced with such intensity. I work tirelessly, but at the end of the day I wonder: "What have I really accomplished today?" There are no visible lines of code, no deployments to celebrate, no team to share victories with.
And perhaps the most challenging part: now, it's my time, my money, and my resources that are at stake. It's not that a company's budget or someone else's investment is less important, but when the risk is completely your own, the value we give to each decision changes radically. Everything is in my hands, for better or worse.
The Mental Metamorphosis Nobody Sees
What nobody tells you about entrepreneurship is that it requires a complete recalibration of your mind. It's not just about acquiring new skills; it's learning to think in a completely different way.
For years, my mind was programmed to solve problems within an established framework. Now I have to create that framework from scratch. Before, my job was to optimize and improve. Now, I must imagine and build without previous reference. Before, success was defined by others. Now, I must define it myself.
This metamorphosis happens in silence, without external recognition. Sometimes I catch myself thinking like the CTO I was, applying a mindset that doesn't fit my new reality. It's as if my brain were in the middle of a software update: functional, but with compatibility errors.
The Voices Across the Abyss
"I like your idea." "Sounds interesting." "Could be useful."
These are the typical responses when I present Deeditt to potential users. They're friendly, polite, but painfully superficial. Some sign up, explore a little, and then disappear. Others don't even get that far.
I've learned there's an abyss between passive enthusiasm ("I like it") and active commitment (using something regularly). Crossing that abyss is a mystery I'm still trying to figure out.
Sometimes, I feel like I'm shouting across that abyss, hoping my words reach the other side. Most of the time, I only hear my own echo.
Rediscovering Time and Productivity
A personal revelation: the 10 hours I spent coding or the intense workdays as a CTO don't translate the same way in my new reality. Being busy is not the same as being productive, and I had never been so aware of that difference.
Sometimes, the most valuable moments are those that seem less "productive." A walk where my mind connects unrelated ideas. A shower where an unexpected solution emerges. A casual conversation that reveals a crucial insight.
I'm learning to value these moments, to see them not as distractions, but as essential parts of the creative process.
Invisible Progress: Moving Forward Without Seeing It
I find myself in what I now recognize as "the valley of invisible progress." A space where I move forward, but where traditional metrics no longer apply. Where each small step seems insignificant, but together they form a path. Where small victories accumulate in silence, without external validation, but with immeasurable value.
A completed feedback form. A published article. A new interaction on social media. A small adjustment in the user experience based on observation. They're drops in an ocean that, I hope, will someday form a wave.
What sustains me in this valley is not the certainty of success, but the certainty that I am where I need to be at this moment in my life. Building something that, even if it never becomes a massive phenomenon, is transforming me in ways I never imagined.
Progress Toward My Own Dream
I don't know if Deeditt will succeed commercially, but I want to believe it will. That belief is what keeps me on this path. The purpose behind it is bigger than anything else I've done before, and the value it brings is immensely significant. I've imagined it at its fullest expression, but the challenge is to make others see and feel it too. That's the real battle: conveying that dream and making it a reality.
I'm unlearning, relearning, and transforming. And perhaps, that's the true essence of this journey.
If any of this resonates with you, I'd love to hear your story on Deeditt. Because when we share our experiences, we light the way for everyone.
Join a Supportive Community
To further support your journey in developing positive habits, consider using Deeditt, a mobile app where people can share positive thoughts and learn from each other's experiences. Being part of a community that fosters positive change can provide you with the encouragement and motivation you need. On Deeditt, you can connect with like-minded people, celebrate your achievements, and find inspiration in the successes and strategies of others. Embrace the power of community and make your habit-forming journey even more rewarding with Deeditt.
Fostering a Positive Mindset
At Deeditt, we are committed to supporting your journey of personal growth and positive thinking. We believe in creating a genuine community where mutual support is our greatest strength. We are here to listen to your feedback and suggestions, and we always welcome a simple "hello." Together, we can share our experiences, celebrate our victories, and overcome our challenges. Join us on this journey and let's support each other in fostering a positive mindset and continuous personal development. Your feedback and participation are what make this community strong and vibrant.
Photo by Martin Vysoudil on Unsplash