Science · by Siti Lim · 2026-09-05

What I wish I knew before trying physics from my Monday morning notes

I know this is a tiny sample size, but after 3 attempts the pattern is pretty clear. When I keep the setup simple, I actually follow through.

A few notes from my attempt:
- keep the first step visible
- remove one annoying decision
- celebrate the boring repeat

My current rule is simple: if it takes less than 7 minutes to prepare, I am much more likely to keep doing it.

My current rule is simple: if it takes less than 6 minutes to prepare, I am much more likely to keep doing it.

353 sparks · 25 comments

Comments

João Pereira · 28 likes

This made me smile more than expected. It reminds me of a very specific conversation near a trailhead.

Noah Miller · 18 likes

Honestly, great taste. This is where I would ask one more question before choosing. The uncertainty is part of what makes it interesting.

Pixel Runner · 14 likes

Can you share what you tried before this? This pairs weirdly well with jollof rice.

Sophie Gagnon · 11 likes

I wonder how much of this depends on timing. The Mexico City example makes it feel concrete. Nature keeps being stranger than the simplified diagram.

Mariam Said · 14 likes

I needed the reminder to start smaller.

Jack Taylor · 9 likes

Really good advice, and it feels doable. I would write it down before changing anything else.

Quiet Runner · 7 likes

Beautifully put. I needed that reminder today. The low-effort version is probably the keeper. The uncertainty is part of what makes it interesting.

Paper Orbit · 1 likes

@quietbakes35 I am stealing that phrase.

Pixel Atlas · 2 likes

I like this more than the top-level advice.

Kabir Khan · 7 likes

I am saving this for the next time I overthink notes. This is where I would ask one more question before choosing.

Giulia Rossi · 6 likes

Excellent timing; I was just thinking about monday. It sounds small, but the recipe matters.

Pixel Atlas · 5 likes

I am skeptical. The idea sounds good, but the maintenance cost is real.

Valentina Ruiz · 4 likes

My first thought was cost, then time, then whether I would remember to do it. My only addition is to make the first step visible. The scale of it still melts my brain a little.

Curious Noodle · 27 likes

I had the same reaction to still.

Siti Lim · 10 likes

Appreciate the nuance.

Grace Parker · 0 likes

Short answer: yes. Long answer: also yes.

Ananya Rao · 2 likes

Now I want a spreadsheet.

Sleepy Mango · 3 likes

@dev_valentina Small caveat: context changes the answer a lot.

Camila Soto · 3 likes

That is a surprisingly elegant way to frame it. The useful constraint is probably the real story. This would be a great classroom example.