Builder and entrepreneur Jesse Vierstra has launched a public challenge designed to help people build better daily habits using principles from construction work. The "Build It Right" 7-Day Habit Challenge focuses on overcoming the common problem of starting strong but losing momentum, offering practical tasks that take 10 minutes or less and require no special tools.
"You don't need a perfect plan," Vierstra says. "You need a clear first step. Build the habit like you'd build a house—solid and steady." The challenge draws on research showing that 45% of daily actions are habits rather than decisions, according to Duke University studies. Behavioral science indicates that small daily actions compound significantly, with people who stick to routines being twice as likely to reach long-term goals according to Behavioural Science & Policy research.
The approach emphasizes consistency over intensity, with habits under 10 minutes showing a 70% higher completion rate than longer tasks according to BJ Fogg Lab findings. This mirrors construction principles where addressing small issues early reduces rework by up to 30% in project-based work, as documented by the Project Management Institute at https://www.pmi.org. "These numbers mirror construction," Vierstra says. "If you handle small issues early, you save time later. Habits work the same way."
The seven-day plan begins with "Clear the Site," where participants spend 10 minutes removing one distraction from their day. Subsequent days include setting one simple standard, showing up five minutes early to one task, fixing one small mistake, completing one task fully without multitasking, reviewing and adjusting what worked, and finally locking in the habit to continue. Each step emphasizes practical application rather than theoretical planning.
Participants have options for tracking progress, either through public sharing using prompts like "Day __ of #BuildItRight" or through private methods such as keeping notes or sending themselves daily texts. "Progress doesn't need an audience," Vierstra says. "It just needs honesty." The challenge requires no sign-up or cost and can be started any day, with Vierstra encouraging immediate action: "You don't need permission to start. You just need to start."
The initiative represents a practical approach to habit formation that could impact workplace productivity, personal development, and overall well-being. By applying construction principles to daily routines, the challenge addresses fundamental behavioral patterns that affect millions of people struggling with consistency in their personal and professional lives. The accessibility of the program—requiring no financial investment or complex preparation—makes it potentially valuable for diverse populations seeking to improve their daily effectiveness.
