Notes about executing tasks & not getting stuck
Dear Friend,
Lately, I’ve been wanting to become the master executor and deliverer of things. I want to tackle not getting stuck.
Here is a nice method that works for me in a realistic setting.
Iterative list:
To execute ambiguous tasks, open an empty notepad.exe file
Write the first draft of steps (often not an accurate representation of how things will play out).
Start executing from the first step.
Refine the steps (rename and make them more realistic) as you gather real data.
If you get stuck on a step, modify it until you can execute it, and move on to the next step. Modify the step as many times as needed to reach the next step.
To modify the step, you can use the following tools: atomize (add more steps), simplify, find an easier angle, find an alternative solution, delegate, etc.
If nothing works and it is impossible for you to even execute some version of the step, ask somebody for help.
I like how SuperMemo’s Plan is designed to converge toward the most realistic schedule. The idea resonates with me.
My mind frequently drifts the moment I hit blank and don’t know what to do. This is natural; the brain likes clear orders. This model for execution helps me with that.
"The brain evolved as a central command organ. Its purpose is not to solve dozens of independent problems based on conceptual computation. Its main purpose is to decide the next step for the animal to take. - Woz
Niko