After working on a product for over a year, the feedback that always rings the loudest is what it "can't do" rather than what it "can."
That noise can be distracting.
But when you focus on ensuring that what it can do continues to unlock value and enable customers, you gain reassurance that you're moving in the right direction.
The "Can't Do" Trap
Just imagine if products stopped evolving simply because there was a list of "can't-dos."
Every product has limitations. Every tool has gaps. The question isn't whether those gaps exist - it's whether you're making progress on what matters.
The best product teams I've worked with don't ignore feedback about limitations. They acknowledge it, prioritize it, and then get back to work on delivering value through what the product can do today.
Moving Forward
When you're building something, remember:
- The "can't do" list will always exist. It shrinks over time, but it never hits zero.
- Value comes from the "can do" list. That's what customers are paying for right now.
- Progress is cumulative. Every improvement to what it can do builds momentum.
Don't let the noise of what's missing drown out the signal of what's working.
Building something and feeling the weight of the "can't do" list? Let's talk - I've been there.
