Explain Like I'm Five · by Valeria López · 2026-09-25

What explainers looks like when you stop optimizing everything before coffee

I tried this in Cape Town with a friend and we both noticed the same thing: the social part mattered more than the perfect plan.

I started this because my winter felt a little stuck, and questions seemed like a manageable place to experiment. The funny part is that the smallest change was the one I kept.

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

21 sparks · 10 comments

Comments

Paper River · 7 likes

I like the idea, but the setup probably matters a lot. This pairs weirdly well with mango sticky rice. Small progress still counts.

Mateo Cruz · 6 likes

This is the kind of useful internet I still show up for. I care less about the perfect answer and more about repeatability.

Chloe Davis · 1 likes

Can you expand on that a bit?

Diego Quispe · 3 likes

Big fan of this approach. I care less about the perfect answer and more about repeatability. Small progress still counts.

Urban Comet · 2 likes

This is the gentle version of my rant.

Valeria López · 1 likes

I think both things can be true.

Olena Shevchenko · 3 likes

Useful intention, poor execution. I am curious whether simple still feels good next month.

Mariana Costa · 3 likes

This comment has main-character footnote energy.

Marco Conti · 1 likes

I am cheering for this update. The 7-minute rule is underrated.

Huy Le · 1 likes

This has cozy competence written all over it. I used to overcomplicate this constantly. This is kinder advice than most of the internet manages.