One of the most rewarding aspects of being a manager is having control—not just over tasks and processes, but most importantly, over yourself. Self-management is a crucial skill for anyone, whether you’re managing a team or simply trying to lead a more productive life.
Recently, while looking for ways to earn extra income, I reflected on how I act when I am in “default mode”—those moments right after waking up or when I have nothing urgent to do. I noticed a pattern: I’d fall into routines like playing Mobile Legends or binge-watching Netflix. While these activities help pass the time, they don’t align with the goals I have for myself. Unmanaged time can lead to wasted potential, and I realized I needed a better strategy.
The Birth of “The Default Project”
Today, I launched what I call “The Default Project”—a personal initiative aimed at reshaping how I spend my default, unstructured time. My goal is simple: replace unproductive habits with purposeful activities, even when my brain feels foggy or uninspired. I’ve heard phrases like, “Success is a habit” and, “What you do today shapes your future.” These ideas resonate with me, so I thought: if I can’t prevent falling into a default mode, maybe I can reprogram what that mode looks like.
Early Implementation: Passive Productivity with YouTube Videos
Without fully realizing it, I had already started experimenting with this project last week. I began uploading gameplay videos from Mobile Legends to YouTube. While these videos are simple records with no commentary or lessons, they serve a dual purpose. First, they train me to develop a habit of content creation. Second, they allow me to explore the idea of becoming a faceless YouTuber over time.
Although I know these videos won’t generate income immediately, the process has value in itself. Consistently producing content, even without an immediate reward, is building the discipline needed for future projects. In a way, this is an exercise in long-term thinking—a concept important in both management and entrepreneurship.
Replacing Negative Inputs with Positive Alternatives
Another aspect I’ve been working on is reducing negative influences in my default time. I often catch myself browsing the news, but I’ve realized it does little more than flood my mind with negativity and unnecessary information. As a manager of my own time, I need to replace these inputs with something better.
So, I’ve begun watching motivational and educational YouTube channels every day. This shift ensures that even when I’m passively consuming content, it still contributes to my personal growth and future productivity. The goal is not to stop relaxing but to make downtime intentional.
Exploring Creative Outlets: Designing for Profit
One of the productive habits I plan to incorporate into The Default Project is designing shirts for sale. Creating digital designs feels like a natural extension of my creativity—I’ve been involved in designing since college, working on tarpaulins and similar projects. Now, I want to channel that creativity into something profitable.
I believe that by combining my artistic skills with online tools, I can build a sustainable side hustle. Design work is something I enjoy, and when passion intersects with productivity, success becomes a lot more achievable.
What Management Taught Me About Default Mode
This project has helped me realize that managing yourself is one of the hardest yet most essential aspects of leadership. It’s not about eliminating all leisure activities but creating structures that guide you toward productive habits. In management, we often talk about systems and processes to streamline work; this personal project is my way of creating a system for myself.
By being intentional about how I spend unstructured time, I’m not just making better use of my day—I’m also learning the importance of consistency, focus, and small incremental progress. These are skills that any manager must master, whether they are leading a team or their own life.
Progress, Not Perfection
The Default Project isn’t about perfection; it’s about building awareness and making gradual improvements. My uploads, shirt designs, and new video-watching habits may not yield immediate results, but they are all small steps toward becoming a more disciplined and productive version of myself.
In management, progress is often made in increments, and it’s the daily decisions—especially when no one is watching—that determine long-term outcomes. Through this project, I hope to build habits that not only improve my personal life but also enhance my ability to manage future projects and side hustles effectively.