OP: this is the desired outcome - building stuff happens in the dark and is uncertain to lead anywhere, simultaneously there is a chorus of cheerleaders for doing the aligned thing.
best advice i can give is stay razor focused on the goals - and what allows you to achieve them:
1. don't lie to yourself about the utility of the project - nice to haves are not need to haves - almost every idea is bad and few are good and even fewer are good enough to spend 5 years on, and vanishingly small amounts of them are goldmines (see #4)
2. understand what provides true value - treat it with respect and only allow it to be known, if necessary, & carefully present it when necessary so that others understand its value. if _they_ don't understand the value - they wont pay for it and will not care, you have to speak _their_ language and not burn too much time doing it.
3. be kind to yourself & enjoy life while you're chasing the goals - you need close relationships and satisfaction to sustain you and keep you from ruining yourself.
best advice i can give is stay razor focused on the goals - and what allows you to achieve them:
1. don't lie to yourself about the utility of the project - nice to haves are not need to haves - almost every idea is bad and few are good and even fewer are good enough to spend 5 years on, and vanishingly small amounts of them are goldmines (see #4)
2. understand what provides true value - treat it with respect and only allow it to be known, if necessary, & carefully present it when necessary so that others understand its value. if _they_ don't understand the value - they wont pay for it and will not care, you have to speak _their_ language and not burn too much time doing it.
3. be kind to yourself & enjoy life while you're chasing the goals - you need close relationships and satisfaction to sustain you and keep you from ruining yourself.
4. look for lucky opportunities & take them.