Turn a Vague Worry into a Testable Question
Added 2026-11-01
Split "I am worried this will go wrong" into questions data can answer, then decide whether to act.
I have a vague worry (described below). Do: 1) split it into three questions that data or facts can answer; 2) give each the smallest verification step and a time box of one day; 3) state what action follows if the answer is yes versus no; 4) point out which question does not need an answer before acting; 5) name the part of this worry I am most likely overestimating. Do not reassure me.
Site original
Chinese original
How to use
担忧能被回答，就不再是担忧，而是待办。
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.