Meaning of the Problem
- Does it actually matter? Will tackling the problem make any real difference in my life? Is this worth my time?
- Does doing this serve my values?
- What am I scared will happen if I don’t do this?
- What are the actual, realistic consequences of avoiding this problem?
- Why do I care?
Mind Traps
- Am I solving the problem, or am I just trying to tell a story about the problem?
- What are the nuances to this problem? Can I think of a case that isn’t an either-or conditional?
- Am I reasonably expected to know/do this? Would I expect anyone else to know/do this?
- Am I people pleasing instead of deciding this for myself? What would I do if there were no other people involved (or aware of the problem in the first place)?
Taking Action
- Can the problem be solved? If not, can I break it down into smaller problems that can be solved?
- Have I met my basic needs (food, water, shelter, sleep, social interaction, etc.)?
- Is there a decision that I need to make before I can act? Is a choice blocking my ability to do this? Can I make that choice?
- What obstacles exist to solving this problem? Can I remove or bypass those obstacles?
- Am I choosing to hesitate instead of acting? Why?
- What would the problem look like if it were easy?
- How would a literal god (or similarly powerful being) solve this problem? Can I emulate any of that?