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Incubation

Working hard on a problem, stepping away, then returning to it with fresh eyes.

What is Incubation?

Working hard on a problem, stepping away, then returning to it with fresh eyes.

What you learn

Step away after real work, then return with fresh eyes.

When it helps

you keep repeating the same approaches, or a hard question needs a fresh look later.

Use it at work

  1. Work on the problem properly first.
  2. Write where you’re stuck and what you’ve assumed.
  3. Step away to something unrelated, ideally overnight.
  4. Return, reread your notes, and question one assumption.

Your output

When you’re stuck, write down the problem and your assumptions, then step away. Reread the notes when you come back.

Watch for

Grinding on without a break, or stepping away without any notes.

Related practices

Sources

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