Builder and entrepreneur Jesse Vierstra has launched the "Build It Right" 7-Day Habit Challenge, a public initiative designed to help individuals establish better daily routines using principles commonly applied in construction. The challenge addresses a pervasive issue in both professional and personal contexts: starting strong but losing momentum. It consists of short, practical tasks requiring 10 minutes or less and no special tools, emphasizing that a clear first step is more critical than a perfect plan.
The initiative is grounded in behavioral science data that highlights the significance of small, consistent actions. According to Duke University research, 45% of daily actions are habits rather than decisions. Furthermore, studies from the Behavioural Science & Policy journal indicate that individuals who maintain routines are twice as likely to achieve long-term goals. The BJ Fogg Lab reports that habits under 10 minutes have a 70% higher completion rate compared to longer tasks, reinforcing the challenge's focus on brevity and simplicity.
Vierstra draws a direct parallel to construction management, noting that addressing small issues early can reduce rework by up to 30% in project-based work, as documented by the Project Management Institute (PMI). "These numbers mirror construction," Vierstra stated. "If you handle small issues early, you save time later. Habits work the same way." This approach underscores the challenge's relevance for business leaders and professionals seeking to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
The 7-day plan is structured with daily tasks that embody core construction principles. Day 1 involves "clearing the site" by removing a distraction, such as silencing a notification. Day 2 focuses on setting one simple standard for the week, like starting and ending tasks on time. Subsequent days include showing up early to one task, fixing a small mistake, completing one task fully without multitasking, reviewing progress, and finally, locking in a small habit to maintain. Each step is designed to build accountability and steady progress, mirroring the methodical pace of successful construction projects.
Participants can share their progress publicly using prompts like "Day __ of #BuildItRight. Today I fixed ______." on social media, or opt for private tracking through personal notes or emails. Vierstra emphasizes that "progress doesn't need an audience. It just needs honesty." The challenge is free, requires no sign-up, and can be started any day, accessible via printable plans or digital saves. Additional resources and Vierstra's insights on practical leadership can be found on his website at https://www.jessevierstra.com.
For business and technology leaders, the "Build It Right" challenge offers a tangible framework to combat productivity pitfalls like procrastination and inconsistency. By applying project management rigor to habit formation, it provides a scalable method for improving personal and team performance. The integration of behavioral data with practical steps makes it a relevant tool for industries where efficiency and reliability are paramount, potentially influencing organizational cultures to prioritize small, consistent improvements over ambitious but unsustainable efforts.
