How to Build a Life Project Without Wasting Your Evenings

How to Build a Life Project Without Wasting Your Evenings - Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

As the sun sets over the bay, I find myself reflecting on the importance of having a project—something meaningful to work on, day after day. Whether you’re a student, an employee, living with family, a partner, roommates, or even alone, there’s a common feeling that creeps in when you get home: “What now? What should I do?”

It’s easy to fall into the trap of scrolling endlessly online, picking up bits of information here and there. But if you don’t do anything with what you learn, it just fades away. You might enjoy the moment, but will you remember these hours when you look back on your life? Probably not.

I’ve learned so much from platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). But unless I use that knowledge, it doesn’t stick. Most of what I read online last year is already gone from my memory. The only thing that stands out is the intense discussion around Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, when he was fired. The way he and the other founders wrote about it was so open and human—it made a lasting impression.

Sam Altman is one of the most active CEOs I’ve seen. Maybe he uses tools to help him write faster. Personally, I use dictation—Siri on my phone, or Google Assistant if you’re on Android. You can even create your own writing model, your own GPT, to automate posts. But when it comes to sharing real-life events, you have to do it yourself. For some, writing online is a way to decompress, like journaling. There are apps like Day One for private notes, but posting on X also helps you build your network and show your human side. CEOs used to be distant, but now, being accessible is almost expected.

But let’s get back to the main point. You can spend hours researching online, or you can commit to a long-term project. If you stick with it, even just an hour a day, after a month or two you’ll have something real to show for it. It’s like compound interest: small efforts add up over time. If you just scroll online and never take action, nothing changes. Learning is good, reading is good, but action is what makes the difference.

How to Build a Life Project Without Wasting Your Evenings - Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Taking action isn’t always easy. Sometimes you don’t know where to start. But it’s the most important thing you can do, and it’s the best investment you’ll ever make.

I use an app called Meal Snap to track what I eat—it’s like a food journal. It’s simple, but it helps me stay aware of my habits. I love learning new things, but without action, it’s hard to make progress. That’s why, for over ten years now, I’ve always had a long-term project on the go. When I have free time, I work on it. For example, I created the pH7CMS project. Last year, I was doing a master’s in data science at James Cook University in Australia. That was my main project at the time.

I even have a “Now” page on my website where I share what I’m currently working on. It’s a way to keep myself accountable and track my progress.

I’ve also developed my own methods for managing long-term and short-term projects. One thing I’ve learned is that we forget so much of what we read. There was a study showing how quickly we lose information from books—after three years, most of it is gone. That’s why it’s important to refresh your memory and keep your knowledge alive, or you’ll start to doubt yourself and forget the details.

The same goes for students. In my data science master’s, I realized how much I forgot from the first year. It’s only by practicing, by doing real projects, that you truly learn. Theory is useful for the basics, but you need to get your hands dirty to really understand.

So my suggestion is simple: start a long-term project. Begin now. Even if it’s small, stick with it. I know you’ll go far.

“The best way to get something done is to begin.” — Unknown

How to Build a Life Project Without Wasting Your Evenings - Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

“Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.” — Anton Chekhov

Key Takeaways

• Having a long-term project gives you purpose and direction.
• Learning is good, but action is what really matters.
• Small daily efforts add up to big results over time.
• Don’t just consume information—use it.
• Track your progress and keep your knowledge fresh.

Action Steps

• Start a project you care about, no matter how small.
• Set aside time each day to work on it.
• Use tools to help you stay organized and accountable.
• Share your progress, even if it’s just with yourself.

Reflection

• What’s one project you could start today that excites you?
• Are you spending more time learning or doing?
• How can you turn your knowledge into action?