Don’t say “I have millions of users in one year from now!”. That only drives you wild. You may however want to plan a little timeline.

In February 2007 together with my girlfriend I went to Milan, Italy, for about 7 months. She went there for studies and I figured I should join her. I had saved a lot of money in 2006 so I would not have to worry about that. I had one more client and the money I earned with that project could cover the rent and expenses. I figured it would be a very good idea to leave home and focus on my startup in an other environment. I resigned from my work and we left.

Our time in Milan was great and I had a lot of time to think about a startup. However, I also met a lot of new friends and that takes a lot of time as well. I will definitely not say I regret having all the great moments , but if you leave to think… Go to a deserted island and not to a big dynamic city like Milan :)

I wouldn’t suggest that leaving home is the way to get your idea. It may even hold you away from it. I started several projects in Milan but had to stop after a month or so. For different reasons. The idea was too big for me to handle, Google announced they would start a similar service, I just didn’t like it anymore, I couldn’t be proud of it, it would be very expensive to make or maintain or… I would just forget the idea.

Leaving home to think for 7 months seems weird and absolutely doesn’t guarantee anything. It may help but can also discourage you. It was frustrating sometimes I just couldn’t think of something while my bank account was going empty faster than I hoped it would.