Last year, I packed my bags and flew halfway around the world to Australia on a working holiday visa. I was excited to explore a new country, earn some money, and make unforgettable memories. But once I arrived, I realized that balancing work, travel, and personal growth wasn’t easy. Every day brought new challenges, whether it was adapting to a different culture, managing living expenses, or staying productive without a structured routine.
I’d heard about the Mandalart Chart—a simple 9×9 grid that helps you break down big goals into smaller, actionable steps. At first, I tried drawing one on paper. It felt great to plan, to see my ideas organized in a visually clear way. But soon, I ran into a problem: it wasn’t sustainable. Keeping track of everything by hand quickly became messy and time‐consuming. I would smudge ink, run out of space, or lose track of where I was. Rewriting the chart every week was frustrating.
That’s when I decided to build my own tool. Using Next.js and some simple React components, I created Mandalart Board—a web app where you can click to set colors, type directly into each cell, and export your chart as an image. No more erasing, re-drawing, or second-guessing your plans! I designed it to be intuitive, clean, and mobile-friendly—so I could use it on the go, whether I was in a hostel, on a train, or working at a cafe.
Now, instead of juggling scraps of paper, I open my Mandalart Board every morning, fill in my main goal at the center, and map out the tiny steps that will get me there—whether it’s finding a new client, booking a weekend getaway, practicing English conversation, or learning a few phrases in Australia’s local Aboriginal languages. It has become more than just a productivity tool—it’s part of my morning ritual, my compass for growth, and a visual reflection of how I’m evolving day by day.
I believe everyone should have access to tools that empower personal development. The Mandalart method isn’t magic, but it works—especially when it’s easy to use. That’s why I’m continuing to improve the app, adding features like template saving, progress tracking, and even collaborative sharing. I hope it helps others gain clarity and take consistent steps toward their dreams, just as it did for me.
If you’re curious about my day-to-day life down under, want to share your own goals, or just want to say hi, come join me on Threads:
@wozhub_dev on Threads