CHIP AWAY: 488 Thoughts on Mastering the Creative Life

Ricky Browne spent years starting big projects and finishing none—until he learned how to chip away, one piece at a time. Now he builds apps, writes books, and helps others do meaningful work. He believes finishing beats perfection every time.

Ricky Browne learned to code 25 years ago and spent many years working as a web designer and IT guy. These days, while he still looks after about ten long-term clients, most of his energy goes into creating apps and writing books.

He started publishing professionally six years ago, beginning with humour before shifting into self-help and productivity—fields where he applies hard-won personal experience.

Ricky lives in regional Australia with his wife and two kids, is a high-functioning schizophrenic who spent ten years after diagnosis deeply unwell—delusional, paranoid, and off-track. But he clawed his way back, and in the process, became a finisher. He’s built many things since, and he’s just getting started.