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Explain Like I'm Five · by Noah Johansson · 2026-08-30

A gentle rant about simple and expectations without making it complicated

My current rule is simple: if it takes less than 4 minutes to prepare, I am much more likely to keep doing it.

Would love to hear how other people handle this. I am especially curious about the version that works on a tired weekday, not just on an ideal Sunday.

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

I know this is a tiny sample size, but after 10 attempts the pattern is pretty clear. When I keep the setup simple, I actually follow through.

15 sparks · 4 comments

Comments

Cozy Marauder · 5 likes

I am saving this for the next time I overthink rant. I noticed the same thing in Cape Town. This is kinder advice than most of the internet manages.

Cedar Baker · 2 likes

Thanks for making it less intimidating.

Narin Chai · 3 likes

That is a good question for people with more experience than me. The a tiny balcony detail changes the whole answer.

Quiet Fern · 1 likes

I found this disappointing because it skips the hardest part. It reminds me of a very specific conversation near the library. Small progress still counts.