Stop Brainstorming Do THIS Instead - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

Stop Brainstorming: Do THIS Instead ![rw-book-cover](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/v_vCPAqpEBI/maxresdefault.webp) 🔗 **Source:** [Stop Brainstorming: Do THIS Instead](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_vCPAqpEBI) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: #productivity #decision-making #visual-thinking > author: Horriel > source: YouTube > reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_vCPAqpEBI > date created: 2024-12-28 16:22 > > # 🏷️ Title: Stop Brainstorming: Do THIS Instead >  ## 🧰 Action Inbox - [H1] Replace brainstorming sessions with circle mapping for clearer objectives — Microsoft study shows unclear objectives kill productivity #productivity - [H2] Implement frame of reference discussions in project meetings — externalize assumptions to move from subject to object #decision-making - [H3] Create daily circle maps instead of journaling to identify authentic self vs. imposed frames — reduce burnout from friction between true center and expectations #visual-thinking ## 🧭 Table of Contents - [[#📝 Summary]] - [[#📖 Main Content]] - [[#🗒️ Notes]] - [[#📚 References]] - [[#🗣️ Paraphrase]] - [[#📰 Newsletter]] - [[#✅ Action Items]] - [[#🧪 Hypotheses]] - [[#📊 Methodology]] - [[#❓ Questions]] - [[#🔮 Future Research]] - [[#💡 Implications]] - [[#🧠 Learning Styles Assessment]] - [[#📊 Accessibility Assessment]] - [[#🌍 DEIB Assessment]] - [[#✅ Logical Validity]] - [[#🛡️ DARVO Analysis]] - [[#🎯 Conclusion]] ### 🔗 References - [Visual Tools for Transforming Information into Knowledge](URL) - [How the Way We Talk Can Change the Way We Work](URL) ## 📝 Summary - Microsoft research found unclear objectives, not distractions like social media or multitasking, are the top productivity killer - The circle map tool provides cognitive scaffolding to organize thinking around a topic (center), context (outer circle), and frame of reference (rectangle) - Key insight: Most disagreements aren't about data but about differing frames of reference that remain unexamined - Applications include life design (identifying authentic self vs. imposed expectations) and project management (surfacing team assumptions) - Bottom line: Structure beats information overload - externalizing frames moves them from subjective lens to objective examination ## 📖 Main Content The core argument centers on distinguishing between speed (how fast you're moving) and velocity (progress toward a destination). Running fast in circles creates high speed but zero velocity - the productivity equivalent of unclear objectives. The circle map consists of three components: the center topic you want to define, the outer circle containing everything you know about that topic, and a rectangular frame asking "how do I know what I know?" This differs from traditional brainstorming by forcing explicit examination of underlying assumptions and perspectives. The casino carpet example illustrates frame dependency - a minimalist designer sees chaotic ugliness while a casino owner sees utility that hides wear, stimulates players, and directs attention upward. Neither perspective is objectively correct; they reflect different frames of reference optimizing for different outcomes. Two applications demonstrate practical use: Arthur's life design circle map distinguishes controllable factors (fitness, work hours) from "gravity problems" (age, economics) while examining tensions between authentic self and social expectations. Project teams can surface conflicting priorities by having each member articulate their frame - engineers prioritizing stability, product owners prioritizing features, project managers prioritizing budgets. ## 🗒️ Notes #### ⏱️ [00:00](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=0) — [H1] Microsoft study reveals unexpected productivity killer - Key idea: Unclear objectives, not distractions, kill productivity most - Evidence: "Microsoft ran a study couple of years ago and they found that in fact none of these things came out at the top. It wasn't social media. It wasn't multitasking. It wasn't the overload of meetings or the many emails." #### ⏱️ [01:12](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=72) — [H2] Speed vs velocity distinction - Key idea: Running fast in circles creates speed without progress - Evidence: "Speed is how fast you're running, how fast you're moving. Velocity is how fast you're getting from point A to point B." #### ⏱️ [02:15](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=135) — [H1] Circle map as cognitive scaffolding - Key idea: Visual frameworks help organize and reflect on information - Evidence: "You can think of them as cognitive scaffolding. Effectively, they're tools that help you organize, see, and reflect on information." #### ⏱️ [02:45](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=165) — [H2] Circle map structure explained - Key idea: Center topic, outer circle context, frame of reference rectangle - Evidence: "In the center, you write down the topic that you want to define. And in the outer circle or the donut, you write the context." #### ⏱️ [03:15](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=195) — [H1] Frame of reference differentiates from brainstorming - Key idea: The rectangle asking "how do I know what I know" provides structure - Evidence: "The difference is the frame of reference. It's that rectangle around the outer circle. That's where you ask the question of how do I know what I know?" #### ⏱️ [03:45](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=225) — [H1] Casino carpet example demonstrates frame dependency - Key idea: Same data interpreted differently based on frame of reference - Evidence: Designer sees "absolute design disaster" while casino owner sees utility that "hides dirt. It hides wear and tear. It keeps players stimulated." #### ⏱️ [05:30](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=330) — [H2] Most disagreements are about frames, not data - Key idea: Arguments stem from unexamined frames of reference - Evidence: "This is the issue in most disagreements. The issue is not that we are arguing about the data in the circle. The issue is that in reality we are arguing about the frame." #### ⏱️ [06:15](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=375) — [H1] Arthur's life design circle map - Key idea: Distinguishing controllable factors from gravity problems - Evidence: "Items in the circle are in Arthur's control" while outside factors are "gravity problems" you "cannot change" #### ⏱️ [09:45](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=585) — [H2] Burnout comes from friction between authentic self and imposed frames - Key idea: Depression results from misalignment between true center and expected identity - Evidence: "Burnout or depression comes from the friction between your true center, who you actually are and the frame of who you think you should be." #### ⏱️ [11:30](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=690) — [H1] Project team circle mapping process - Key idea: Surface conflicting assumptions through explicit frame articulation - Evidence: "Every participant should reflect on their frame of reference for this circle map and write down a single sentence defining their frame of reference." #### ⏱️ [13:15](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=795) — [H1] Subject to object shift through externalization - Key idea: Writing down assumptions moves them from lens to examinable objects - Evidence: "If something is only in your head, it becomes the lens through which you see the world. The moment you're able to externalize it...these things move out of your head onto paper." #### ⏱️ [14:45](https://youtu.be/v_vCPAqpEBI?t=885) — [H2] Three homework applications - Key idea: Practical ways to implement circle mapping - Evidence: "Create a circle map of your life...create a circle map of your day...play with the map" ## 📚 References - [Microsoft Productivity Study](URL) - [Visual Tools for Transforming Information into Knowledge](URL) - [Gallup StrengthsFinder](URL) - [How the Way We Talk Can Change the Way We Work](URL) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase - Productivity problems stem from unclear goals rather than distractions - we need better direction, not just speed - The circle map provides a structured alternative to brainstorming by explicitly examining our frames of reference and assumptions - Most conflicts arise from people operating under different unexamined frameworks rather than disagreeing about facts ## 📰 Newsletter **Stop Running in Circles: A Simple Tool for Better Decision-Making** Ever feel like you're working hard but not making progress? Microsoft's research reveals the culprit isn't social media or too many meetings - it's unclear objectives. The circle map offers a structured approach to clarify thinking. Unlike brainstorming, it forces you to examine not just what you know about a topic (the outer circle) but how you know it (the frame of reference). This simple shift can transform team conflicts and personal clarity. Try creating a circle map for your next project or life decision. You might discover the real issue isn't the data - it's the unexamined assumptions driving your perspective. Resources: [Learn WordPress](https://learn.wordpress.org/), [Developer Docs](https://developer.wordpress.org/), [WP-CLI](https://wp-cli.org/) ## ✅ Action Items #### DevRel - Developer advocacy: Use circle mapping in strategy sessions to surface frame conflicts between engineering and marketing perspectives - Education: Create workshop template using circle maps to help developers articulate project assumptions before building - Developer experience: Map user feedback with different stakeholder frames (beginners vs. experts) to prioritize improvements - Community management: Apply empathy mapping variation to understand different community member perspectives on policies #### Community - Maintainers: Implement circle mapping in project roadmap discussions to align on frames of success - Contributors: Use life design circle maps in mentorship to help identify authentic motivations vs. imposed expectations - Sponsors: Apply frame analysis to funding decisions, examining assumptions about impact metrics #### WordPress - Core: Use project circle mapping to surface assumptions about user needs vs. developer priorities in feature discussions - Community: Apply circle mapping to WordCamp planning to align organizer frames of reference on event goals - Training: Develop lesson plans incorporating visual thinking tools to improve learning structure - Support: Create circle maps of common user problems to identify frame mismatches between user expectations and documentation ## 🧪 Hypotheses - Teams using explicit frame articulation will have fewer scope conflicts than traditional brainstorming groups - Individuals practicing daily circle mapping will show reduced decision fatigue compared to free-form journaling - Project retrospectives incorporating circle mapping will identify frame misalignment as a root cause more frequently than traditional postmortems - Organizations teaching circle mapping will see improved cross-functional collaboration metrics ### 📊 Methodology - Randomized controlled trial comparing circle mapping vs. traditional brainstorming in project planning sessions - Longitudinal study tracking decision-making confidence in individuals using circle mapping for life choices - Qualitative analysis of team conflict resolution using frame externalization techniques ### ❓ Questions - How can circle mapping be adapted for remote teams where visual collaboration is challenging? - What psychological barriers prevent people from examining their own frames of reference? - How might AI tools assist in identifying unstated assumptions in team discussions? ### 🔮 Future Research - Integration of circle mapping with established design thinking methodologies - Neuroscience investigation of cognitive load differences between structured vs. unstructured brainstorming - Cross-cultural validation of circle mapping effectiveness across different communication styles ### 💡 Implications - Practice: Structured thinking tools can improve team alignment and individual clarity in decision-making - Policy: Meeting facilitation guidelines should incorporate frame articulation to surface hidden assumptions - Education: Visual thinking frameworks deserve inclusion in critical thinking and leadership curricula - Funding: Investment in cognitive scaffolding tools may yield higher returns than information management systems ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment Reading level estimate: 8th Grade (Flesch-Kincaid) #### 👀 Visual learners - Present: Circle diagram examples, casino carpet case study illustration - Improve: Step-by-step visual guide for creating circle maps, template downloads #### 🔊 Aural learners - Present: Video format with clear narration and examples - Improve: Audio-only version for listening during commutes #### 🗣️ Verbal learners - Present: Clear definitions, analogies (speed vs. velocity, gravity problems), concrete examples - Improve: Glossary of key terms, comparison with other thinking frameworks #### 🧩 Kinesthetic learners - Present: Three specific homework exercises with actionable steps - Improve: Downloadable worksheets, physical templates for group sessions #### 🧠 Logical learners - Present: Clear cause-effect relationships, structured three-part framework - Improve: Decision trees for when to use different circle mapping variations #### 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social learners - Present: Team project example, group facilitation process - Improve: Discussion prompts for sharing circle maps, peer review guidelines #### 🧘‍♀️ Solitary learners - Present: Individual reflection exercises, personal life design example - Improve: Self-assessment rubrics, journaling prompts for deeper exploration #### 🌿 Naturalistic learners - Present: Organic problem-solving approach, authentic self discovery - Improve: Connections to natural systems thinking, ecosystem analogies ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment #### Screen reader semantics - Present: Clear headings structure, descriptive content flow - Improve: Alt text for circle diagram descriptions, ARIA labels for visual examples #### Keyboard navigation - Present: Standard video controls, logical content sequence - Improve: Transcript with timestamp navigation, keyboard shortcuts for video sections #### Contrast and readability - Present: High contrast in video examples, clear typography - Improve: Text overlay options, customizable contrast settings #### Text resizing and reflow - Present: Responsive design accommodates zoom - Improve: Ensure circle diagrams remain legible at 200% zoom #### Media and captions - Present: Full transcript provided - Improve: Closed captions with speaker identification, visual descriptions #### Forms and interactions - Present: Clear homework instructions - Improve: Downloadable checklist format, progress tracking options ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment #### Cultural breadth - Present: Business examples from different contexts (design, gambling, tech) - Improve: Examples from diverse industries and cultural contexts #### Inclusive language - Present: Gender-neutral examples where possible, defined jargon - Improve: Plain language alternatives for "cognitive scaffolding," cultural sensitivity in examples #### Neurodiversity support - Present: Multiple concrete examples, clear structure - Improve: Content warnings for work stress discussion, alternative processing time suggestions #### Representation - Present: Varied professional roles and perspectives - Improve: More diverse names and backgrounds in examples, accessibility considerations #### Psychological safety - Present: Non-judgmental framing of different perspectives - Improve: Acknowledgment that frame examination can be emotionally challenging ### ✅ Logical Validity #### Strong reasoning - Deductive strength: Clear logical structure from problem identification to solution implementation - Inductive strength: Well-chosen examples support general principles about frame dependency - Causal reasoning: Establishes clear link between unclear objectives and productivity problems - Analogical strength: Speed vs. velocity analogy effectively illustrates the core concept #### Fallacies - False dichotomy: Implies circle mapping replaces all brainstorming rather than being one tool among many - Appeal to authority: Microsoft study cited without methodology details or peer review status #### Tone of voice - Overall tone: Instructional and encouraging, uses concrete examples to build credibility ### 🛡️ DARVO Analysis - Deny: No denial patterns observed - Attack: No attacks on opposing viewpoints - Reverse victim/offender: Not applicable to this instructional content - Emotional cues and rhetoric: Uses motivational language without manipulation ## 🎯 Conclusion The circle map provides a structured alternative to traditional brainstorming by forcing explicit examination of frames of reference. Most productivity problems and team conflicts stem not from data disagreements but from unexamined assumptions about goals and priorities. By externalizing these frames, teams and individuals can move from being subject to their assumptions to treating them as objects for examination and refinement. The tool's power lies in its simplicity - three components that create cognitive scaffolding for better thinking and decision-making. ## 🧱 Refactor Appendix ### 📚 Literature Split Pad Purpose: Stage CEE units that become Literature notes. Split level: H3 ### [H1] Unclear objectives kill productivity more than distractions > [!quote] [ --- ## Full Transcript [00:01] Reflect on this question for a moment. [00:03] What kills your productivity? [00:06] Microsoft had the same question. They [00:08] ran a study couple of years ago and they [00:11] found that in fact none of these things [00:15] came out at the top. It wasn't social [00:18] media. It wasn't multitasking. It wasn't [00:20] the overload of meetings or the many [00:23] emails. [00:24] But if it wasn't any of these, then what [00:27] do you think kills your productivity? [00:31] Well, the Microsoft study found that it [00:34] was unclear objectives. [00:38] And in fact, you need to understand the [00:40] difference between speed and velocity. [00:43] Speed is how fast you're running, how [00:46] fast you're moving. Velocity is how fast [00:50] you're getting from point A to point B. [00:54] how much progress you're making because [00:57] you know you can be running super fast [01:00] but if you're running around in circles [01:02] you're going to get from point A to [01:05] point A and maybe you're not running so [01:09] fast but you're making constant progress [01:12] from point A to point B. You're still [01:15] going to have a decent velocity. [01:19] So essentially what kills your [01:22] productivity is running around in [01:25] circles. And it's not because we lack [01:30] information. In fact, in my experience, [01:33] it's because we lack structure. And [01:36] today, I want to show you a deceptively [01:40] simple and childish tool called the [01:43] circle map that helps you address this. [01:46] And don't be fooled by the simplicity. [01:50] This tool is amazingly powerful. This is [01:53] one of the eight thinking maps [01:56] introduced in visual tools for [01:58] transforming information into knowledge. [02:02] And you can think of the circle map and [02:05] of all the diagrams and visual [02:07] frameworks. If you want to use a fancy [02:10] word, you can think of them as cognitive [02:13] scaffolding. Effectively, they're tools [02:16] that help you organize, see, and reflect [02:21] on information. [02:23] And so, what is a circle map? Well, it's [02:26] very simple. In the center, you write [02:29] down the topic that you want to define. [02:33] And in the outer circle or the donut, [02:36] you write the context. You know, you [02:39] write down everything that you know [02:41] about the topic. And I can hear you [02:43] already at this moment. You say that [02:46] horriel, but you said stop [02:48] brainstorming. And this is effectively [02:50] brainstorming. What's the difference? [02:53] Well, the difference is the frame of [02:55] reference. It's that rectangle around [02:58] the outer circle. That's where you ask [03:02] the question of how do I know what I [03:05] know? What is influencing this [03:08] definition? So, [clears throat] let's [03:10] look at an example. We're going to look [03:13] at the circle map of casino carpets to [03:16] help you understand the entire concept. [03:19] So in the center I'm going to write [03:22] carpet and around the center in the [03:25] outer circle I'm going to define that [03:29] carpet. It has busy patterns. It has [03:32] clashing colors. It's aggressive. It's [03:35] ugly. It has a chaotic pattern. It's [03:38] disorienting. [03:41] And then here comes the interesting [03:43] part. Let's look at different frame of [03:46] references, different frames for this [03:49] carpet. And let's first imagine that you [03:53] are a graphic designer. You're a [03:56] minimalistic designer. And in your mind, [04:00] a good minimalistic design has clean [04:03] lines, clean colors. [04:06] And with this frame of reference, if you [04:08] look at this carpet, the only conclusion [04:11] you can come to is that this carpet is [04:14] an absolute design disaster. [04:18] But I want to ask you to try to imagine [04:23] that you're now the casino owner. [04:27] What is your frame of reference? What [04:29] would you write on the outer rectangle [04:32] of the circle map? [04:35] I believe that if I'm the casino owner, [04:38] I would write utility and profit as my [04:41] frame of reference. And in this frame of [04:43] reference, the carpet is the perfect [04:47] solution. It hides dirt. It hides wear [04:50] and tear. It keeps players stimulated. [04:54] It prevents boredom. It draws your eyes [04:57] upwards to the slot machines, to the [04:59] tables. [05:02] And you know this is the issue in most [05:06] disagreements. [05:08] The issue is not that we are arguing [05:11] about the data in the circle. The issue [05:15] is that in reality we are arguing about [05:19] the frame. And what the circle map does [05:24] is it forces us to articulate that [05:27] frame. [05:29] Now let's look at two examples. First, [05:31] we're going to look at a life design [05:33] example. And if you watched my previous [05:35] video, the intelligence trap, you will [05:38] already know Arthur. Later on, we're [05:41] going to look at a project example as [05:43] well. Arthur is 42 years old. He's your [05:47] stereotypical gray man. He's married, [05:50] has two children, has a mortgage, has a [05:52] stable career. On social media, his life [05:56] looks perfect. [05:58] inside. [06:00] It feels gray. It feels boring. He's [06:04] dreaming of doing woodworking, but he [06:06] doesn't have time for that. So, Arthur [06:09] fills out the circle map for his life. [06:12] He's actually doing something a bit [06:14] special. And I'm going to ask you to [06:16] figure out what's the difference between [06:18] the items in the outer circle and in the [06:22] space between the outer circle and the [06:25] rectangle. So think about why I have [06:28] some words or why Arthur has some words [06:31] in the rectangle and other words in the [06:35] circle. But his initial frame of [06:38] reference for his circle map is the key [06:40] factors affecting my life today. So in [06:44] the center he writes my life and then in [06:47] the outer circle he has statements like [06:51] his savings, fitness, his 60-hour work [06:55] week, his different certifications, his [06:57] family like his wife, kids, parents, his [07:01] identity as a provider, his love of [07:05] woodworking, his mortgage etc. And then [07:08] outside this circle also factors that [07:12] affect his his life today are things [07:14] like his age, economy, the reality of [07:18] starting his own business, the number of [07:21] hours in a day, ro politics, etc. [07:25] And so [07:27] if you think about what's the [07:29] difference, the difference is items in [07:32] the circle are in Arthur's control. He [07:37] has control over his fitness. He can [07:39] join a fitness club. He can go running. [07:41] He can walk more. His 60-hour work week [07:45] is also in his control. He can decide to [07:48] work less and accept the consequences of [07:51] course. But things outside the circle [07:55] but within the frame are things that are [07:58] so-called gravity problems. Gravity [08:00] problems are problems that you cannot [08:04] change. You cannot change gravity. You [08:06] know, if you drop something, it's going [08:08] to fall. There's nothing you can do [08:10] about it. You can work around it. You [08:12] can build a cushion under it or you can [08:16] somehow stop the thing from falling by [08:19] putting something under it or hanging it [08:22] or whatever. You can work around these [08:24] issues, but you cannot change world [08:27] politics. You cannot change the number [08:29] of hours in a day. Those are given. And [08:32] if you spend your life trying to change [08:34] gravity problems, you're setting [08:36] yourself up for failure. But once this [08:40] circle map is done, then Arthur can move [08:44] on to play with the framing and he can [08:47] remove the key factors affecting my life [08:50] today. And instead he can start to think [08:53] about how would I frame this circle map? [08:58] And one question he can ask is what is [09:02] my frame of success? And here it's [09:05] always important to reflect on what [09:10] definition of who you should be did you [09:12] grow up with or feel pressured to [09:15] believe because that can drive who you [09:19] think you need to become instead of who [09:21] you believe internally intrinsically you [09:25] are. And this is then the second step [09:29] that you need to reflect on your [09:31] authentic self. Nine years ago, as I was [09:34] moving home from the Netherlands, I [09:37] completed the Gulup StrengthFinder [09:41] survey. It was one of the more [09:43] meaningful personality [09:46] surveys I did in my life. And they focus [09:49] on identifying your strengths. And these [09:53] are things that you're intrinsically [09:56] driven to do. You might not be the best [09:58] at them, but this is what gives you [10:01] fulfillment. And completing this survey [10:05] and reflecting on the description of [10:07] these five strength that came out at the [10:10] top led me eventually to start working [10:14] on the excolro plug-in to start my [10:16] YouTube channel and start participating [10:20] in various online communities. So it [10:23] really had a significant impact on how I [10:26] think. But the point I want to highlight [10:30] here is burnout or depression comes from [10:36] the friction between your true center, [10:39] who you actually are and the frame of [10:43] who you think you should be. [10:46] And in this sense, the circle map acts [10:50] kind of like a compass because it [10:53] connects who you are at the center with [10:57] what you do in the context and what you [11:00] believe in the frame. And I want to stop [11:04] here just for five seconds and remind [11:07] you that if you're interested in this [11:10] stuff, join the waiting list. I'm [11:12] working on a course that is going to [11:14] explore tools like the circle map and [11:17] many other maps. And also I want to [11:20] mention quickly the PKM summit. It's [11:22] going to happen in two weeks in Utre the [11:25] Netherlands. I'm going to be there. I'm [11:27] going to talk about a similar topic [11:29] there as well. So if you want to meet [11:31] with me, this is an amazing place to go. [11:34] I have a link in the description that [11:36] gives you a bit of a discount. So you [11:38] can check that out as well. But moving [11:41] on, let's look at the other example, the [11:44] project example. So imagine you're in a [11:49] company and you're working on an IT [11:52] project on an you're developing some [11:54] sort of application and you have a big [11:57] project a day where you reflect on where [12:01] the project is, where it's heading and [12:03] you start with this circle map. You [12:06] write the project in the center and then [12:09] together maybe at a white board with [12:11] post-it notes. You add the different [12:15] things that define the project in the [12:18] circle. Things like features, tasks, [12:21] stakeholders, [12:23] your to-do list, everything that comes [12:25] to mind regarding the project. And once [12:28] you're done with defining the circle, [12:31] then everyone [12:33] will work on their own for a couple of [12:36] minutes. And every participant should [12:38] reflect on their frame of reference for [12:43] this circle map and write down a single [12:46] sentence defining their frame of [12:48] reference. And this is then going to be [12:51] shared. So once everyone has written [12:53] this down, you can go around and [12:55] everyone can share their perspective and [12:58] maybe the engineer says that his frame [13:01] of reference is to stabilize the [13:03] platform and reduce technical debt. The [13:07] product owner might say that her [13:10] priority is to ship the next big feature [13:14] and the project manager might say that [13:16] her priority is to fit in the budget. [13:20] And then the next thing to do is to ask [13:24] about what are we assuming here. The [13:27] engineer assumes that the customer [13:30] values stability. The product owner [13:33] assumes the customer values features. [13:35] The product project manager might assume [13:38] that the customer is costconscious. So [13:42] you will have all of these assumptions [13:44] on the table. And the idea I want to [13:48] remind you of is something I read in how [13:50] the way we talk can change the way we [13:53] work. [13:55] The authors talk about the subject to [14:00] object shift. Which means that if [14:03] something is only in your head, it [14:06] becomes the lens through which you see [14:09] the world. You're subject to your [14:11] assumptions. It it is how you see the [14:15] world. The moment you're able to [14:17] externalize it, you can write it down. [14:19] You can write down your frame of [14:21] reference. You can write down your [14:22] underlying assumptions. [14:24] These things move out of your head onto [14:28] paper. They become objects that can be [14:31] examined, reshaped or discarded. And [14:35] this is the power of this approach. And [14:38] so in this sense once the frame is on [14:42] the paper it moves from being your lens [14:46] to objects we can debate validate based [14:50] on market data etc. [14:53] And so now in closing here's some [14:56] homework I recommend if you want to stop [14:59] running around in circles and instead [15:02] you want to start to move ahead. [15:04] Homework one is create a circle map of [15:08] your life like Arthur did and then [15:11] reflect on the frames and look at if [15:15] there's [15:17] a tension or friction between your [15:19] authentic self and the frames that you [15:22] put on that circle map. Second, if you [15:26] do regular regular long- form [15:30] journaling, then tomorrow instead of [15:32] long form journaling, create a circle [15:35] map of your day. You can just take a [15:37] sheet of paper, you can draw the circle [15:40] map and you can create your day in the [15:43] center, the ideas that define your day [15:47] around it, and then you can give your [15:49] day a frame. This is the frame for [15:52] today. and see how that works for you. [15:55] And then the third thing I recommend you [15:58] to do is to play with the map. This map [16:00] is super deep and there are different [16:03] ways you can fill it out and they're all [16:06] good and will serve different purposes. [16:08] So you can set the center then identify [16:11] the context and reflect on the frame. Or [16:14] you can set the frame then think about [16:17] the context and define the center. Or [16:20] you can set the center and define [16:23] different frames and then fill out the [16:25] context for each frame. This last one is [16:29] what you could call empathy mapping [16:31] because the frame could be different [16:33] stakeholders and the context could be [16:36] what they see, hear, say, think about [16:40] the center subject. [16:42] So stop brainstorming and do this [16:46] instead. Start using the circle map and [16:50] start thinking about your frame of [16:53] reference because 90% of the arguments [16:57] and 90% of the issues are in the frame [17:01] of reference not in the context within [17:05] the outer circle. Thank you.  📄 **Full text:** ![[Full Document Contents/Articles/Stop Brainstorming Do THIS Instead.md|Stop Brainstorming: Do THIS Instead by YouTube]] ## Highlights - in the rectangle and other words in the circle. But his initial frame of reference for his circle map is the key factors affecting my life today. So in the center he writes my life and then in the outer circle he has statements like his savings, fitness, his 60-hour work week, his different certifications, his family like his wife, kids, parents, his ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krbp8zgxnpqhc4xasar76s3y)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - if you spend your life trying to change gravity problems, you're setting yourself up for failure. But once this circle map is done, then Arthur can move on to play with the framing and he can remove the key factors affecting my life today. And instead he can start to think about how would I frame this circle map? And one question he can ask is what is ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krbp8zhrhw8n49egg5wwnp8v)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted