Explain Like I'm Five · by Achieng Njeri · 2026-10-08
What is the kindest way to start with simple when life is busy?
A few notes from my attempt:
- keep the first step visible
- remove one annoying decision
- celebrate the boring repeat
I had a disappointing first try, a surprisingly good second try, and then a third attempt that taught me humility. So, naturally, I now have opinions.
A few notes from my attempt:
- keep the first step visible
- remove one annoying decision
- celebrate the boring repeat
43 sparks · 21 comments
Comments
Maya Putri · 17 likes
I’d start with something small and testable. The boring setup helps a habit survive a busy week. Keep notes, ask someone with recent experience and come back with what happened.
Brian Otieno · 11 likes
I care less about a perfect answer than something I can repeat.
Nour Ali · 6 likes
Try it cheaply, keep notes and decide once you have real evidence.
Yui Tanaka · 1 likes
Small caveat: context changes the answer a lot
Curious Mango · 4 likes
If two options look equal, choose the one that’s easier to reverse. Try something small and come back with what happened.
Rafael Almeida · 3 likes
What outcome do you want in two weeks, not some ideal future? That makes the choice clearer. Would love a follow-up after four weeks.
Maya Putri · 7 likes
Respectfully, I see it the other way
Grace Parker · 3 likes
I’d write it down before changing anything else.
Mango Noodle · 2 likes
This feels a little overrated to me, even if the intention is good. It sounds small, but the routine matters
Rizky Pratama · 2 likes
I used to overcomplicate choosing the outcome constantly.
Rizky Pratama · 2 likes
My practical advice is to make teh next step tiny enough that you can do it today. Momentum usually answers half teh question. My friend tried it in Lisbon and had teh opposite result
Tomás Gómez · 1 likes
My practical advice is to make the next step tiny enough that you can do it today. Momentum usually answers half the question. I care less about the perfect answer and more about repeatability
Sleepy Panda · 14 likes
This is the gentle version of my rant
Aoi Ito · 1 likes
This would’ve saved me a lot of trial and error. Small progress still counts.
Haruto Sato · 0 likes
Curious whether keeping it simple still feels good next month.