Before You Build It, Make A Rule

Solid advice posted on Reddit:

In looking back at all of my failed business ideas, there’s a common theme: I tricked myself into thinking they were potentially profitable businesses. My flawed logic always was some version of this: “I’ll build this app, and then people will use it and like it, and then I’ll charge money for it.”

As obvious as it sounds, when you start a business you need to make money as quickly as possible.

The OP goes on to share a rule that has helped avoid tricking himself into starting unprofitable businesses:

The only reason I was able to snap out of it is by holding myself to the rule “companies I start need to be able to make $1000 in the first three months.”

Is there a rule like that you could set for yourself that would help you avoid starting – or sticking with – an unprofitable business?