How Building Your Own Project Pays Off Without Big Budgets - Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Build Something That Drives You

Start a Project That Motivates You! Watch This If You Want My Help

Why building your own project is the best investment you can make in yourself

Building something from scratch—a project, a tool, an app—this is the first real investment you can make in yourself. It’s not about money or status. It’s about giving yourself a reason to get up in the morning, a purpose that keeps you moving forward.

Today, I want to challenge you: start a small project. It doesn’t have to be huge. Maybe it’s a simple SaaS product, or a script that solves a problem you have. Personally, I’ve published quite a few scripts lately. I share them on my GitHub, and I’ve started promoting them on Edit. The feedback has been great, and I’m honestly proud of what’s come out of it.

I’ve worked on several open-source projects, and I also run my own SaaS, retainer.io. If you follow me, you might already know about it. If not, I’m happy to show you what I’ve built. These projects aren’t just lines of code—they’re pieces of my life, things I care about.

For example, I have a script that automates posting online, and another one for downloading videos. I even made a little library with a GIF to show it off. These projects excite me. They give me a sense of purpose. I also built a React Native app called Food Track. I’m about to release a new version soon. The code is private for now, but I’ve spent weeks working on it, and I’m proud of what it’s become.

Having projects like these—what I call “life projects”—changes everything. I talk about this a lot in my workshops: the difference between short-term and long-term projects, and how they can make you happier and more fulfilled.

One of my favorite apps I built is Mil Snap. If you’re curious, you can check it out. I haven’t scanned any meals yet today, but it’s an app I poured a lot of time into. I invite you to take a look.

Long-term and short-term projects can completely change your life. I keep notes on my phone, jotting down ideas for new things to build. This keeps me alert and curious about the world around me. Without these projects, life can feel dull and repetitive. You lose the drive to get out of bed. And time? Time never waits. It keeps moving, whether you do something or not.

How Building Your Own Project Pays Off Without Big Budgets - Photo by Eden Constantino on Unsplash

The best investment you can make is in how you use your time. If you don’t, days and years slip by, and nothing changes. You don’t have to do a million things. Don’t fall into the trap of the rat race, always trying to show off how busy you are. The goal is to live a happy life, nothing more.

But if you’re not happy with your life, remember: every action you take today, if you keep at it, can change the direction of your life. Decide what kind of person you want to become, and start moving toward that version of yourself. That’s the straightest path to a life that feels right for you.

Your phone is a powerful tool. It can help you learn, but it can also distract you non-stop. The number of distractions is endless. Sometimes, you have to say “enough.” Put your phone on airplane mode. If you get a message, reply later. It’s not the end of the world. Do one thing at a time. Finish what you’re working on. Otherwise, your mind gets cluttered, and you never finish anything.

If you know that in two years you want to be, say, a CTO, then every day you need to do something that brings you closer to that goal. I’m already a senior developer, but that’s not enough. I need to take on more responsibility, manage my team, help them grow. That’s how I’ll be able to show on my resume that I’m ready for a CTO position. If I really want it, I’ll find a way. If I’m passionate, I’ll start acting like a CTO now, even before I have the title.

The only real limit is in your mind. If you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way. Sometimes, it’s good to stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself: “Everything is possible. Today will be an amazing day. I’m going to succeed.” These positive affirmations help you build confidence and push you forward.

The only limit is the one you set in your mind. — Unknown

If you want to become a CEO of a public company, start dressing like one. If you always wear sweatpants and sneakers, it’ll be harder to see yourself in that role. The same goes for your voice, your posture, your attitude. Prepare now for the person you want to become. Don’t wait for the “right moment.” It starts today.

Never tell yourself, “It’s not for me, I’ll never make it.” Don’t throw in the towel. Everything is possible. There are people who started with much less than you and made it. Why not you? Some paths are longer than others, depending on where you start, but again: the only real limit is the one in your head.

Adopt this mindset: What’s next? What do I need to do to get there? You have to be the “excessor” of your life—someone who excels in everything they do. When you wake up, visualize your perfect day. Just imagining it helps you prepare mentally. If you wake up thinking, “I have an exam, I’m going to fail,” you’re already setting yourself up to fail. Your body won’t give 100% because you’ve already decided you’ll lose.

How Building Your Own Project Pays Off Without Big Budgets - Photo by Dania Shaeeb on Unsplash

Every action you repeat shapes the person you become. — James Clear

If you want to change your life, start by changing your habits. — Charles Duhigg

Key Takeaways

• Building your own project is the best investment you can make in yourself.
• Start small—scripts, apps, anything that excites you.
• Use your time wisely; don’t let distractions steal your days.
• Visualize the person you want to become and start acting like them now.
• The only real limit is the one you set in your mind.

Action Steps

• Pick a small project and start today.
• Limit distractions—try airplane mode for focused work.
• Write down your goals and visualize your ideal day every morning.
• Take one step each day toward the person you want to be.

Reflection

• What’s the one project you’ve always wanted to start?
• Who do you want to become in two years?
• What’s stopping you from starting today?