It also works if you write an email to no one. Just open a new email, don’t even fill in the recipient address, but start explaining your problem to someone who is an expert at solving problems but that doesn’t know anything about your problem. Be thorough in your explanation; mention what you’ve tried and the results, talk about how the thing works, how you expected it to work, what is specifically blocking you, etc.
It forces you to look at each detail again in order to explain it and you might find that your next steps seem obvious while you’re in the process.
Then you just close the email and say no when it asks to save.
Just open a new email, don’t even fill in the recipient address, but start explaining your problem to someone who is an expert at solving problems but that doesn’t know anything about your problem. Be thorough in your explanation; mention what you’ve tried and the results, talk about how the thing works, how you expected it to work, what is specifically blocking you, etc.
I inadvertently do this sometimes when opening new Github issues 😆 By the time I thoroughly explain the situation, I realise my mistake or the way I could solve/circumvent the problem on my end, so I just don’t submit the ticket.
Or a journal for that matter! One of the oldest thinking tools around.
People actually go back and read their journals after writing them?
Just the act of writing can help focus thoughts and cut through mental clutter.
It also works if you write an email to no one. Just open a new email, don’t even fill in the recipient address, but start explaining your problem to someone who is an expert at solving problems but that doesn’t know anything about your problem. Be thorough in your explanation; mention what you’ve tried and the results, talk about how the thing works, how you expected it to work, what is specifically blocking you, etc.
It forces you to look at each detail again in order to explain it and you might find that your next steps seem obvious while you’re in the process.
Then you just close the email and say no when it asks to save.
I inadvertently do this sometimes when opening new Github issues 😆 By the time I thoroughly explain the situation, I realise my mistake or the way I could solve/circumvent the problem on my end, so I just don’t submit the ticket.
i have two that i do that with, but they’re mostly notes about projects i’m working on