1. First off, if you’re solving a problem worth solving, you most likely will have competition.

2. It’s good to be aware of the competition, but not obsess over it or let it dictate your entire strategy. It's your unique vision that separates you from the rest.

3. Instead of fearing your competitors, use them as a source of motivation. They validate your market and can even help identify areas of improvement. But copying won't get you far. Innovation and differentiation are key.

4. The truth is, most startups fail because of self-inflicted wounds: lack of market demand, cash burnout, wrong team, poor execution. These are the real killers, not the competition.

5. So it’s much better to obsess about the problem you're trying to solve. Focus on understanding it better, innovating, and delivering value to your customers. The more energy you spend worrying about competitors, the less you have for improving your product.

@yanatweets @ycombinator Indeed! The only thing holding you back is yourself!

@yanatweets @ycombinator more likely die of suicide than murder coolest lines said by Y Combinator!

@yanatweets @ycombinator love that

@yanatweets @ycombinator True. I've seen over the years dozens of entrepreneurs or start-ups asking to build a product for them and then they didn't even launched it, or they dropped it after release.

@yanatweets @ycombinator “Emulate” : mediocrity” :: “innovate” : “growth & profitability”