Do First, Optimize Later: Breaking the Cycle of Over-Optimization
I've come to a realization: I spend too much time planning and optimizing rather than actually doing. AI and automation have fueled my obsession with optimization, making me believe that if I refine a system enough, I’ll be more productive. But the truth is, optimization is only valuable when applied to something that already exists.
The problem is, I often optimize before I start. I think, “I need to make a to-do list,” but instead of actually making one and using it, I get lost in finding the best way to structure a to-do list, the best app, or the best workflow. Even right now, instead of writing down what I need to do, I’m writing a blog post about how I should be writing things down. This is the exact loop I need to escape.
Optimization feels like progress. It gives me the illusion that I’m working towards something, but in reality, I’m just postponing action. The efficiency of a to-do list doesn’t matter if I’m not using one. The best UX for adding tasks doesn’t matter if I never add tasks. The friction in a system isn’t relevant if I’m not engaging with the system at all.
The real issue isn’t inefficiency—it’s a lack of discipline. I tell myself I’m not doing things because the process isn’t optimized enough, but the truth is simpler: I just haven’t done them. My focus should be on building the habit of doing, not perfecting the process before I even begin.
The New Rule: Action Before Optimization
Going forward, I want to adopt a new mindset—do first, optimize later. If I find that something is difficult or inefficient while actively doing it, then I can optimize. But I won’t let optimization be the barrier to starting in the first place.
I’ll collect real data from actually engaging in the tasks I want to improve. If my to-do list system feels clunky after I’ve been using it consistently, then I’ll refine it. If I struggle to keep up with a workflow, then I’ll tweak it. But I won’t waste time optimizing something that isn’t even in effect yet.
Optimization should be a tool for improvement, not an excuse for inaction. The first step is always to start. Only then does optimization become valuable.