Jesse Vierstra Launches 'Build It Right' 7-Day Habit Challenge Based on Construction Principles

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 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."

The challenge's foundation rests on behavioral research showing why habits matter. According to Duke University research, 45% of daily actions are habits rather than decisions. People who stick to routines are twice as likely to reach long-term goals according to Behavioral Science & Policy research. The BJ Fogg Lab found habits under 10 minutes have a 70% higher completion rate than longer tasks, while the Project Management Institute reports addressing small issues early reduces rework by up to 30% in project-based work. "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, where participants spend 10 minutes removing one distraction. Day 2: Set One Standard involves writing one simple rule for the week. Day 3: Show Up Early requires arriving five minutes early to one task. Day 4: Fix One Small Thing focuses on correcting a small mistake. Day 5: Finish One Task Fully emphasizes completing one task end to end without multitasking. Day 6: Review and Adjust involves spending 10 minutes evaluating what worked and what didn't. Day 7: Lock It In concludes with writing down 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. "Progress doesn't need an audience," Vierstra says. "It just needs honesty." The challenge is open to anyone with no sign-up or cost, starting any day participants choose. Participants can print the plan, save it to their phone, or write it on paper. "You don't need permission to start," Vierstra says. "You just need to start." The approach reflects Vierstra's background in construction through his company Iron Oaks Custom Homes and his focus on practical leadership and building systems that last.