Separate Reversible from Irreversible Decisions
Added 2026-10-30
Sort pending decisions by whether you can undo them: move fast on reversible ones, slow down on irreversible ones.
I face several decisions (listed below). Do: 1) sort them by rollback cost (a few minutes, a few days, almost impossible to undo); 2) for each, name the factor that decides reversibility; 3) for reversible ones, propose the smallest experiment that yields real feedback; 4) for irreversible ones, list the three pieces of information I must have before committing. Do not decide for me — give the structure.
Site original
Chinese original
How to use
可逆的事值得快，不可逆的事值得慢。
Try tweaking it
- Ask what evidence would overturn the judgement.
- Have it argue both sides with three reasons each.
What you should get
- A decision table: assumptions, evidence, counter-evidence
- A next action with an observable signal
Common mistakes
- Asking only "should I?" and getting equally valid answers both ways.
- Never asking for counter-examples, so you only hear support.
How to check the output
- It states what evidence would overturn the conclusion.
- Both sides are argued, with assumptions marked as such.
Where it works
- Good for: splitting a decision into assumptions, evidence and counter-cases, leaving the call to you.
- Watch out: ask what evidence would overturn the judgement, or you will only hear supporting reasons.