"Be a user of your own product. Make it better based on your own desires. But don’t trick yourself into thinking you are your user"

The essence of that quote is all about understanding the balance between being passionate about what you create and recognizing that you're not the only one who will use it. It’s about improving your product by using it yourself, but also realizing that your experience isn’t the end-all-be-all. You aren’t your customer, and that distinction is crucial.

This idea has roots in the practices of many successful entrepreneurs and product developers. Think about Steve Jobs. He was notorious for being deeply involved in the design of Apple products, using them, tweaking them, making them perfect to his taste. But he also knew that he wasn’t the typical user. He was more demanding, more tech-savvy. So while he drove the vision, he also made sure to understand the needs and wants of the average consumer.

Now, let’s dive into a real-life example. Take Instagram. The founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, were avid users of their own app. They loved photography and wanted to share beautiful images. They made the app simple and elegant because that's what they wanted. But they also realized not everyone is a photographer. So, they added filters and editing tools to make it accessible for people who just wanted to make their photos look a bit better without much hassle. They understood the importance of their desires but didn’t let that blind them to the needs of others.

So how can you apply this in your own work? Start by using your product every day. Live with it. Find the little annoyances and fix them. Make it something you love because if you don’t love it, no one else will. But then, step back. Get feedback from real users — people with different skills, backgrounds, and needs. Listen to their frustrations and their praises. It’s like cooking a meal you love but then asking your friends how it tastes and adjusting the seasoning based on their feedback.

Imagine this scenario: you’ve created a new app for managing daily tasks. You love it because it’s minimalistic and syncs seamlessly with all your devices. You’re thrilled with how it helps you stay organized. But then you notice that your friend, who is not as tech-savvy, struggles with it. The features you find intuitive are confusing for her. She wants more reminders and a tutorial. That’s your cue. You’ve got to make changes. Acknowledge that while the app fits your needs perfectly, it's not quite there for everyone else.

Embrace this dual perspective. Be your product’s biggest fan and its toughest critic. But don’t get too caught up in your own bubble. The magic happens when you blend your passion with your users' experiences. That’s how you create something truly special.

So next time you’re working on something, whether it’s an app, a gadget, or even a service, remember this balance. Use it, improve it, but always keep an ear out for the people it’s meant to serve. That’s how you’ll make it great.