How do you tell the difference between something that needs more time vs something that’s just not working?

One thing I keep noticing is that early on, everything feels the same.

Slow progress, no clear feedback, constant doubt.

The problem is… that can mean two completely different things:

– You’re on the right path, you to early

– Or you’re putting time into something that isn’t going anywhere

And both feel almost identical in the beginning.

For those who've been through it:

How do you learn to tell the difference?