Concepts
The irreducible epistemic atoms underlying the curriculum. 4,828 atoms across 8 types
Draw mental models as boxes and labeled arrows within 10…
Draw mental models as diagrams with boxes for entities and labeled arrows for relationships within ten minutes, because spatial layout forces explicit specification of what connects to what and reveals gaps that prose automatically conceals.
Label diagram arrows with specific verbs — 'causes'…
When externalizing mental models, label every arrow with a specific verb describing the relationship mechanism (causes, enables, blocks, amplifies) rather than vague connectors like 'affects' or 'relates to', because unlabeled relationships reveal unexamined assumptions.
Write blockers as 'I cannot [action] because [obstacle]'…
Write blockers in the form 'I cannot [specific action] because [specific obstacle]' immediately upon noticing friction to convert ill-structured problems into solvable ones.
Inventory what you actually do — not what you should…
Before attempting to design better schemas, inventory your current operating schemas by writing what you actually do (not what you should do) across professional, relational, and self-concept domains.
After completing a relationship map, write what…
After drawing a complete relationship map, write three to five sentences describing the structural story—focusing specifically on what was invisible before you drew the map rather than summarizing what you already knew.
Use a weighted decision matrix when options exceed 3…
For decisions involving three or more options and four or more criteria, externalize the comparison into a weighted decision matrix rather than relying on intuitive averaging, because working memory cannot hold all dimensions simultaneously.
Under stress, follow the written sequence — intuitive…
When cognitive load increases or stress appears, rely on pre-defined explicit sequences rather than intuitive ordering, because implicit sequences degrade under pressure while externalized protocols remain stable.
The competent stranger test
Test specification completeness by asking whether a competent stranger with relevant skills but zero context could produce an acceptable result from your specification alone—if not, the missing information must be externalized before delegation.
When an objection dissolves from social pressure…
When you notice an objection dissolving before you voice it—not because someone addressed it, but because the social cost seems too high—recognize this as the compliance instinct activating and deliberately externalize the concern in writing before deciding whether to voice it.
Write your position before emotionally charged…
During emotionally charged disagreements in close relationships, write down your actual position before the conversation and return to it afterward to check whether changes were driven by persuasion or anxiety relief.
Write both values side-by-side and articulate the sacrifice
When facing a decision between two conflicting values, name both values explicitly in writing side-by-side before choosing, then articulate the specific sacrifice being made ('I am choosing X over Y today because ___') to make the trade-off conscious rather than implicit.
Write one sentence justifying every renewed commitment…
During commitment review, require a one-sentence written justification for every commitment you renew to prevent rubber-stamping—if you cannot articulate why you are choosing this commitment right now, mark it for deeper examination.
Release energy leaks with explicit articulation — state…
When releasing an energy leak deliberately, state in writing or aloud what you are releasing and why, because explicit articulation registers completion in the cognitive system while vague dismissal leaves the monitoring thread active.
Mark workflow decision points with explicit if-then…
Mark decision points in documented workflows with explicit notation (like decision diamonds) that states 'If X, then step Y; otherwise step Z' to make conditional logic visible.