Why I’m Loving the Idea of ‘Starting Simple’—And How That’s Changing Everything

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over this crazy journey, it’s the importance of starting simple. Seriously, keep it small, keep it functional, and just get it out there. I spent way too much time on my final project with a million ideas swirling around my head—classic case of scope creep. It wasn’t until I wrapped it up (emoji in the code and all, oops!) that I realized something huge: the value of MVPs.

That’s exactly how I approached my YouTube API app this weekend. Was it perfect? Nope. Did it do the job? Heck yes! And now I’ve got a working tool that solves a real problem, even if it did break the API. 😂

This approach is a game-changer. Don’t get stuck trying to build the perfect solution right away. Test something, see what works, then add the next piece of the puzzle. Rinse and repeat.

LJ Reach, the app I mentioned in my last post, is the best example of this. Instead of trying to create a fully-fledged beast from the start, I’m taking it step by step—getting the basics working first, then adding what’s needed as we go. The same way I learned to build websites, code apps, and solve problems: one step at a time.

It’s also about listening—paying attention to what works and what doesn’t. That’s why getting feedback early on is so important. My vision for LJ Reach is big, but I don’t want to assume I know everything about what’s needed. That’s where people like Peter (or whoever steps up!) come in. Real feedback from real people using the app is what’s going to help shape it into something incredible.

So, to all my fellow builders, creators, and curious souls—start small. Start simple. And keep moving. You’ll be amazed at how quickly those small steps turn into massive leaps forward.

Stay tuned. The fun is just beginning. 🚀