Builder and entrepreneur Jesse Vierstra is launching a simple public challenge designed to help people build a better daily habit using the same principles he applies on job sites: show up, fix small problems early, and finish what you start. The "Build It Right" 7-Day Habit Challenge focuses on one common problem across work and life—starting strong but losing momentum. The challenge offers short, 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."
Research supports the approach Vierstra advocates. According to Duke University research, 45% of daily actions are habits, not decisions. People who stick to a routine are 2x more likely to reach long-term goals, as noted in Behavioural Science & Policy. Habits under 10 minutes have a 70% higher completion rate than longer tasks, according to the BJ Fogg Lab. In project-based work, addressing small issues early reduces rework by up to 30%, 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 7-day plan begins with Day 1: Clear the Site, spending 10 minutes removing one distraction. Day 2 involves setting one simple standard for the week. Day 3 focuses on showing up early to one task. Day 4 requires fixing one small mistake that has been ignored. Day 5 emphasizes finishing one task completely without multitasking. Day 6 involves reviewing what worked and adjusting one thing. Day 7 concludes by locking in the habit to keep next week. "Small habits last," Vierstra says. "Big promises fade."
Participants can share progress publicly using prompts like "Day __ of #BuildItRight. Today I fixed ______" or keep private notes. The challenge is open to anyone with no sign-up or cost, starting any day chosen. "You don't need permission to start," Vierstra says. "You just need to start." The approach connects practical construction wisdom with behavioral science, offering a structured yet flexible framework for building lasting habits through consistent, small actions rather than overwhelming commitments.
