Don’t Invent Work

You had an idea in the shower.

It doesn’t need a spreadsheet.

The idea was the easy part

You think you might sell something you don’t use.

Then you decide to research prices. Make an inventory. Compare selling platforms. Develop a system for clearing out the house.

You now have a project called Sell Things.

The lamp is still there.

Not every thought needs a task. Not every task needs a process.

Sometimes you need a process because the work repeats, involves other people, or has consequences worth checking.

Sometimes you need to take a picture of the lamp.

Do the actual thing

Before you organize the work, name what you’re trying to get done.

Sell the lamp. Send the message. Book the appointment.

Can you do that directly?

A useful tool makes the job easier. If setting up the tool takes longer than doing the job, you may have found another job.

You can also leave an idea alone. Having it does not mean you have agreed to do it.

The Antiwhelm Move

Look at one task you’ve been preparing to do.

Skip any preparation it doesn’t actually need. Do the task, or decide you’re not doing it.

The lamp does not need a launch plan.

ANTIWHELM