Explain Like I'm Five · by Noah Johansson · 2026-10-05

I tried doing simple the boring way and it worked before coffee

Context: I am not an expert, just someone trying to make Explain Like I'm Five feel less intimidating. I wrote down what worked, what felt awkward, and what I would do differently next time.

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

31 sparks · 9 comments

Comments

Sleepy Rider · 22 likes

My version of this was messier, but the conclusion was similar.

Cozy Fern · 3 likes

I appreciate the honest middle stage, not just the polished ending. That is where the boring checklist helps.

Zofia Kowalska · 3 likes

This is genuinely helpful, thanks for writing it out. The Dublin example makes it feel concrete.

Isha Menon · 0 likes

I like this more than the top-level advice.

Pieter Botha · 1 likes

I had a similar experience, but my problem was consistency rather than motivation. I learned that one the expensive way.

Valentina Ruiz · 2 likes

Short answer: yes. Long answer: also yes.

Siti Lestari · 1 likes

This feels like advice from a patient friend. The awkward constraint is probably the real story. People underestimate how much sleep changes the answer.

Rizky Pratama · 0 likes

Honestly, great taste. I would test it for 2 days before deciding.

Mango Mango · 0 likes

Useful intention, poor execution. I would test it for 9 days before deciding.