#001 – From Planning to Building

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kDkSoevxYxk

This is a new Cybernetks Log. A simpler way for me to document what I’m building and figuring things out along the way by recording an audio version first.

Why I started Cybernetks

I’ve been a software developer for the last 10 years as a freelancer, and before that another 10 years as an employee. Over time, I started noticing a growing skill gap between myself and others.

Part of that is life: I’m a parent of three kids, and we’re building our own house. So naturally, time and energy are more limited.

I wanted a way to improve my skills and bridge that gap, without interfering too much with client work. That’s why I started Cybernetks.

The idea is to build a solo creator studio where I can create tools, products like SaaS, and eventually games.

I also hoped that by building in public, I could improve my social skills. I used to do public speaking and workshops at conferences, but I’ve noticed that those skills have been declining as well.

So Cybernetks became a way to work on both:

• building things
• and becoming more open again

What I thought it would be

I expected this to be a relatively straightforward way to:

• improve my skills
• build consistently
• and share more openly

But in reality, there were some issues.

What actually happened

After client work and family time, I expected to still have energy left to build.

But most days, that energy just isn’t there.

I’m often depleted, even though I try to manage my time better and be more mindful about how I plan my days.

I also noticed I’m not comfortable with the “logging” part yet. And I feel like I should be everywhere:

• YouTube
• podcasts
• Twitch
• social media

That creates pressure; pressure to perform, to show up, to build all of those skills at once.

What I learned

A few things became very clear.

First, planning is much easier than building.
I tend to naturally plan:

• what to do
• what to build
• how to approach it

But actually executing is harder; especially when energy is low.

Second, smaller steps are key.
Instead of trying to do big things, I need to build a little every day.

Third, systems are allowed to change.
Just because I planned something doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.

And probably the biggest one:

My energy determines my flow, not my motivation.

I have motivation. I have ambition.
But when energy is low, things simply don’t happen.

Where I am now

Since starting earlier this year, I’ve made some progress.

I built a first version of a digital planner. It’s a simple two-page setup, designed for e-tablets or iPads, something like a reMarkable, where you can upload a PDF and write your notes directly on the PDF.

I’m also building a native iOS productivity app, which I hope to release a first version of soon. Again, this is being done in small, daily steps.

And now, I’m experimenting with podcasting.

I’m moving toward an audio-first approach:

• it’s easier to record
• no camera setup needed
• no concern about background or visuals

From this single recording, I can:

• publish a podcast
• turn it into a blog post
• create a simple video version
• share parts on social media

It gives me flexibility without adding complexity.

What’s next

I’ll continue building daily on the iOS app.

I’ll release the digital planner in the coming days.

And I’ll keep experimenting with this logging format, hoping it helps me stay more consistent.

One challenge I’ll need to figure out is how to describe visual things in an audio format, like app interfaces or designs, but I’ll solve that through better explanations and show notes.

Most importantly, I’m trying to reduce the pressure on myself.

I don’t need to log every day.

Even though building an audience matters, this is first and foremost about:

• improving my skills
• enjoying the process
• and building again

Closing

So that’s where I’m at right now.

The goal is simple:

Learn by building, log to share, and keep moving forward.

Thanks for listening.

I’m aiming to keep these short and easy to digest.
If you want to follow along, you can subscribe to the newsletter, the YouTube channel or the podcast. The links are at the top of the post.

Catch you in the next log!