LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Do One New Thing A Day To Solve Your Problems” by Algon
Oct 22, 2025
Explore how daily experimentation can tackle persistent problems with just one new action each day. The host reveals the pitfalls of relying on cached habits, leading to stagnation. Discover how quick bursts of focused thought turned a wobbly chair into a quick fix. Hear about creative solutions for combating short attention spans, including tech-free mornings and library time. Experience the joy of reclaiming time for creativity and family through small, effective changes that foster significant progress.
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Cached Behavior Blocks Progress
- People rely on cached thoughts and actions to get through their day instead of exploring new options.
- This habit prevents real progress on persistent problems and stalls improvement.
Wobbly Chair Fixed Quickly
- Algon fixed a wobbly chair with a minute and ten turns of an Allen key.
- The small action eliminated a persistent annoyance that had been worsening over time.
Iterative Steps To Recover Focus
- Algon struggled with a short attention span and doomscrolling that ruined longer tasks.
- He iteratively tried time-blocking, library sessions, and device bans to rebuild focus over weeks.