Most people waste hours stuck on problems because they skip the setup.

Here's the framework I use every single time — whether it's a homework assignment, a project at work, or a life decision:

Step 1: Define the real problem (not the symptom)

Write one sentence that starts with "The actual problem is..." — if you can't, you haven't found it yet. Most "problems" are actually symptoms of something deeper.

Step 2: List 3 constraints

Time, money, skill, tools — what are you actually limited by? This kills 90% of overthinking because it narrows your options to what's realistic.

Step 3: Pick the 80/20 action

What single action gets you 80% of the result? Do that first. Don't optimize before you execute.

I've turned this into a one-page template (along with 20+ other frameworks) inside The Fix Vault. Templates, checklists, guides — all built around solving problems faster.

What's a problem you're stuck on right now? Drop it below 👇