Thinkie: Easy Bit

Thinkie Easy Bit follows from Thinkie Hard Problem, at least it does for me.

Pattern: You’re paralyzed by the magnitude of the problem facing you.

Transformation: Pick the absolutely easiest thing to do that will help & do it.

I’ve come to believe that confidence & energy are more important than ideas. With confidence & energy I can (with the help of Thinkies 😉) come up with plenty of ideas. Without confidence & energy I can’t execute no matter how many or how good my ideas.

Thinkie Hard Problem unblocks energy by acknowledging the whole problem, knowing that you’re not sweeping anything under the carpet. But hard problems can also be overwhelming—where do I start? how can I ever get all this done?

When I’m stuck, anything I accomplish helps. Rename that directory. Set up that account. Ask Perplexity for a tutorial. Heck, tidy your desk. (No, nail care doesn’t count, as many times as I try that.)

I’m a to-do list person. When I’m really stuck, I accomplish an Easy Bit, write it on my list, & cross it off. Feels strange, but it contributes to my confidence & energy. Would it be better not to have this much anxiety? Sure. I’m working on that. But I’m here, today, & I have goals.

Next week we’ll have an alternative Thinkie for when you’re stuck, Fun Bit.