Starting a successful startup isn’t about having the craziest idea or the biggest bankroll; it’s about making things work, day in and day out. First, focus on solving a real problem, not just what sounds trendy. Talk to potential customers early, listen to their pain points, and adapt your product accordingly. Keep things lean—don’t over-invest in fancy offices or big teams before you see traction. Test, measure, iterate—that’s the secret sauce. Be flexible, but also stay committed to your core mission. Build a strong team passionate about your vision and foster a culture of honesty and resilience. Lastly, stay humble. Not everything will go as planned, but if you keep learning and adjusting, your startup has a much better shot at actually working in the long run.