Frameworks vs manuals

I recommend having a newborn just for the moments of reflection it affords you. When faced with an issue that is bothering us, our minds want to find solutions. For many of us, we sprint to find solutions. Most advice suggests some version of pause, plan, and then execute. "Slow is fast" and things of this general nature. I would like to add an additional perspective of 'frameworks vs manuals' to this generalized topic of problem-solving.

STEP 1: We should accept that most of our problems are not unique. They have been solved. They have solutions. So copy shamelessly.

STEP 2: Understand the problem and the solution. Ask "Why did this work?" a lot.

STEP 3: Classify the solution as either a framework or a manual. A framework is a set of principles to solve a problem. A manual is a precise list of steps to solve a problem. It would be awesome if all problems had manuals, but they don't. That said, more of your problems have a manual than you think.

STEP 4: IF it is a manual, copy the steps blindly and trust the process. I repeat, TRUST THE PROCESS. There will be error bars (e.g., the manual says five minutes, but it takes three or 10), but the manual should have a high success rate (>70%).

STEP 5: IF it is a framework, translate it into 2–3 manual options for yourself. Pick one of the options and do STEP 4.

STEP 6: Take the credit. If steps 1–5 don't work, then please find someone to blame.