The Problem With Forward Chaining

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This relates to an algorithm that's used in mathematical optimization, which is the idea of gradient ascent for going up or if you're going down. It's basically the idea of wherever you're standing right now, you say, which one little step can I take that goes up the fastest? Like I'm trying to get this up a mountain. Okay, I'll take one little step in that whatever direction goes up the very fastest. Then I'll look around again and figure out now in my new position what little step goes up the fastest. And you can prove that for many types of mountains, so to speak, this algorithm will eventually get you to the top of the mountain.

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What are "forward-chaining" and "backward-chaining", and how do they connect with theory of change? What sorts of mental habits and heuristics prevent you from brainstorming ideas effectively? How can you harness feedback effectively to sharpen your ideas? From whom should you solicit feedback? How can you view your own products with fresh eyes? What are some common struggles people encounter when starting or changing careers, and how can they be overcome? Why are small experiments so under-used? How can we construct a sustainable work life? What are the best ways to rest and recover from overwork and burnout?

Lynette Bye is a productivity coach who works with effective altruists. Before that, she studied the psychology of self-control at Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania. You can find out more and read her blog at lynettebye.com.

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