Builder and entrepreneur Jesse Vierstra has launched a free 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 pattern of starting strong but losing momentum in both work and personal life. The challenge offers short, practical tasks requiring 10 minutes or less and 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 approach is supported by research showing that 45% of daily actions are habits rather than decisions, according to Duke University. Behavioral research also indicates that people who maintain routines are twice as likely to reach long-term goals, and habits under 10 minutes have a 70% higher completion rate than longer tasks. "These numbers mirror construction," Vierstra explains. "If you handle small issues early, you save time later. Habits work the same way." Project management research shows that addressing small problems early can reduce rework by up to 30%.
The seven-day plan begins with clearing distractions, setting simple standards, and showing up early to tasks. Subsequent days focus on fixing small mistakes, completing one task fully without multitasking, reviewing progress, and locking in a sustainable habit. "Small habits last," Vierstra notes. "Big promises fade." Participants can choose to share progress publicly using prompts like "Day __ of #BuildItRight. Today I fixed ______" or keep private notes. "Progress doesn't need an audience," Vierstra says. "It just needs honesty."
The challenge requires no sign-up or payment and can be started any day. Participants can access the plan through various formats and begin immediately. "You don't need permission to start," Vierstra emphasizes. "You just need to start." This initiative matters because it addresses the widespread struggle with habit sustainability by applying proven construction and project management principles to personal development. The research-backed approach—particularly the finding that habits under 10 minutes have a 70% higher completion rate—offers a practical solution to the common problem of abandoned New Year's resolutions and failed self-improvement attempts. By making habit-building accessible, free, and grounded in tangible construction metaphors, Vierstra's challenge could help individuals develop more consistent routines that support both personal and professional goals.
