Starting something new? Build it like you want to maintain it!

When I was in the very beginning of building my coaching business and I was working round the clock, a wise coach told me to: "Build it like you want to maintain it". It has since become one of my favourite quotes because it can be applied to so many different situations and areas of life.

The quote is often attributed to the software development community, but it can be applied to various aspects of life, including work, starting new projects, and building and maintaining relationships. This quote emphasizes the importance of taking a long-term perspective and considering the maintenance and sustainability of what you are building, whether it's a new project or a new relationship.

Applying the quote to work

In the context of work, building something like you want to maintain it means taking the time and effort to do things right the first time. This means considering the long-term consequences of your actions and making decisions that will make it easier to maintain and support the work you are doing in the future.

For example, if you are building a new software application, it might be tempting to take shortcuts or cut corners in order to meet a deadline. However, if you build the application in this way, it will likely require more maintenance and support in the long run. On the other hand, if you take the time to design and build the application in a way that is scalable, maintainable, and easy to understand, it will be easier to support and maintain in the future.

In addition to considering the long-term maintenance of your work, it's also important to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. If you are constantly working overtime or sacrificing your own well-being for the sake of your work, it will be difficult to maintain your productivity and quality of work in the long run. By setting boundaries and taking care of yourself, you can ensure that you have the energy and focus to maintain your work to the best of your ability.

Applying the quote to starting new projects

Whether you are starting a new business, launching a new product, or embarking on a personal project, it's important to build it like you want to maintain it. This means taking the time to do thorough planning and research upfront, and considering the long-term sustainability of the project.

For example, if you are starting a new business, it's important to consider the long-term viability of the business model and the resources you will need to sustain it. This might involve doing market research, creating a business plan, and seeking advice from mentors or advisors. By taking the time to do this upfront work, you can increase the chances of success for your business and make it easier to maintain in the long run.

In addition to considering the long-term sustainability of your project, it's also important to be realistic about what you can handle. Starting a new project is exciting, but it's also a lot of work. By being honest with yourself about your capabilities and setting realistic goals, you can ensure that you are able to maintain the project in the long run.

Applying the quote to relationships

The quote "Build it like you want to maintain it" can also be applied to relationships. When building a new relationship, it's important to be your authentic self from the beginning. This means being honest about who you are and what you want, and being open and transparent in your communication.

By being authentic and setting clear boundaries, you can build an authentic and healthy relationship that is sustainable in the long term. It's also important to consider the long-term maintenance of the relationship, and to make an effort to nurture and support it over time. This might involve regular communication, spending quality time together, and being there for each other during difficult times.

In summary, the quote "Build it like you want to maintain it" emphasizes the importance of considering long-term sustainability and maintenance in various aspects of life, including work, starting new projects, and building and maintaining relationships. In work, this means taking the time to do things right the first time and setting boundaries to prioritize self-care. When starting a new project, it's important to do thorough planning and research upfront and be realistic about what you can handle. In relationships, being your authentic self and setting clear boundaries can help to build an authentic and healthy relationship that is sustainable in the long term.