You can just do things.

"You can just do things" or some variation has been the unofficial slogan of startups for a long time. The expression was a reminder that you have permission. You are allowed to do things, nobody but you is stopping you trying something.

The caveat that existed was that while you were allowed, there was an expectation of some skills. You have permission to do things, so long as you are capable of doing them.

Now, this statement covers the permission and the capability. Sure, not for everything, but for a vast number of things you (whether you're in SF or not) are both allowed and able to do things.

The capability unlock here is AI if that wasn't obvious. Love it or hate it, AI has given people a vast uplift in what they can, in theory achieve.

I am not saying all things are easy now. You still need to put the time in.

I am not saying everything is one prompt away. You still need to put the reps in.

I am not saying all things will guarantee success. You still need to put the effort in.

What I am saying is that you're allowed, and with dedication you're able.

Go and do things.

p.s. I am well aware that you could always find the skills, or people with them to do the things. You've always really be able. It's just that 'able' is now a whole lot more accessible.

p.p.s This, like many blog posts, is a reminder to myself. I often forget the permission and the capability are there for the taking. It's a lot easier sometimes to invent reasons why you can't or aren't allowed than to just start.