"إنشاء شيء ذي قيمة، حتى مجانًا، يبني الزخم."

Building something valuable, even when there’s no immediate payoff, sets the stage for future success. The essence here is about the long game - creating momentum through value creation, regardless of the immediate returns.

Historically, this idea isn't new. Think about the early days of the internet. Many now-successful companies offered free services to attract users and build trust. Google, for example, gave away its search engine and Gmail for free. Why? Because they understood that the more people used their services, the more valuable their platform became. They didn’t charge users from the get-go, but the value they created built a loyal user base, which eventually became a goldmine for advertisers.

Here’s a real-life example that hits home: consider a budding graphic designer dreaming of making it big. She starts by offering free logos and designs to small businesses in her community. At first, it might seem like she’s working for nothing. But with every free design, she’s building her portfolio, gaining testimonials, and creating buzz around her skills. Soon enough, word spreads. These businesses recommend her to others, and before she knows it, she has a steady stream of paying clients. The initial free work? It wasn’t wasted effort; it was an investment in her future.

So, how can you apply this wisdom directly to your life or career? Start by identifying something you’re passionate about and consider how you can offer value in that area. Maybe you’re a writer – start a blog sharing your insights. Or perhaps you’re a musician – create and share your music online without worrying about making money initially. The key is to focus on building something that others find valuable. Over time, this builds your reputation and creates opportunities that you might not have envisioned when you started.

Now, let’s dive into a relatable scenario. Imagine Jake, a recent college graduate with a degree in software development. He’s eager to land a job at a top tech company but finds it tough to get his foot in the door. Instead of getting discouraged, Jake decides to create a series of open-source projects and share them on platforms like GitHub. He collaborates with other developers, contributes to existing projects, and even starts a blog documenting his journey and learnings. He’s not getting paid, but he’s building something valuable. Soon, his work catches the eye of recruiters and tech enthusiasts. They see his passion, skills, and dedication. Offers start rolling in, and Jake lands his dream job. His initial free work created momentum that propelled him forward in his career.

In the end, whether it's Google, our graphic designer, or Jake, the principle remains the same: creating value, even for free, lays the groundwork for future success. It’s about trust, reputation, and the snowball effect of building momentum. So, what can you start building today? Think about it over your next cup of coffee.