3 lessons from the time I created a website without knowing how to code

When I created my website for the first time, I was a "noob".

A "noob" is a slang term for a newbie, someone who’s inexperienced.

Back then, I only had a specific outcome in mind—

A personal space where I can share my stories and insights

I remember researching many tools that would fit my needs.

When I finally got to pick one, the functionalities almost overwhelmed me.

I saw plenty of buttons and subsections.

Lots of things to figure out and explore

How do I navigate this seemingly complex system?

I remember tinkering and exploring the system’s functionality by intuition.

I clicked and dragged and clicked some more.

It took many weekends to figure out how things work.

For the more complex parts, for example:

• How to adjust the size of text boxes

• How to make the website mobile-friendly

• How to integrate a landing page with mailing systems

• And so on

I researched specific ways.

Good thing, a lot of stuff is pretty searchable these days.

But during my search, I remember landing on articles that explained all the technical stuff but omitted the practical.

On one hand, I appreciated the articles that showed me a step-by-step process.

I loved it best when the article mentioned:

“You can do it this way, but this is what will happen” or

“If you’ve done it wrongly, this is how you can fix” or

“Avoid doing this because it will result in this.”

People like to be forewarned, especially when doing things for the first time.

Now, if I connect my experience with building a website to doing audits, here are some similarities and hard-earned lessons that I have tried to live by ever since:

Lesson 1: You can do it this way, but this is what will happen.

In any technical profession like audit or accounting, you can explain all sorts of technical stuff to a newbie.

But if you don't show them how things are supposed to be done, you'll still receive poor-quality work.

First-timers learn best when they receive practical instructions.

Lesson 2: If you've done it wrongly, this is how you can fix it.

If you've done a procedure by mistake because it was your first time doing it, the common sense (but also hardest to do) is to admit that you don’t know.

Then, seek guidance from someone who knows better.

Lesson 3: Avoid doing this because it will result in this.

Working on something without a project plan? Don't.

You already know the side effects of overworking yourself without a proper plan. Mental check-out. Disengagement. Poorly-coordinated work.

Start that new project. But make sure you have a plan in place.

And one more thing…

Despite what people tell you, you're not too old or too young to explore something new.

May next year be your season of new beginnings.

P.S. If you’re about to start something new, what would be most helpful for you to know? DM me or reply to this email.

Welcome to Busy Season Journals—stories and experiences to shape accountants of the future. A newsletter made especially for you by a fellow accountant, adventurer, and coach-guide.

If this post resonated with you, share and invite fellow accountants and auditors to subscribe to Busy Season Journals.

If you’re a millennial and Gen Z auditor/accountant and this email was forwarded to you, click subscribe to enjoy future stories.