From what I’ve learned in my limited existence, the shortest path between two points is indeed a straight line. Seems very simple; quite the contrary when you’re in product development. Given that you’re confident in your mission and have outlined the tasks required to drive you to success; allow this foundation to give you the ability to make it to  finish line. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t be open to amend your processes but do make sure it’s an amendment and not a replacement.

If you’re developing a niche product, then chances are its success will be determined by how well versed you are in that same niche. The point is that you should be the judge, jury, and executioner when it comes to making critical decisions. It’s human nature to follow instead of lead. That’s why there are more followers than leaders. Basically, if you’re not comfortable being a leader then your product is destined for failure.

Your product development initially starts at point A with intentions of getting to point B. If you allow point B to become point Z then you’ve just inserted 25 points of confusion into your path to success. Trust yourself, the worst that could happen is that you learn a few new lessons which may be applied to your next iteration!