What are Methods?
A method is an actionable sequence of steps and processes that converts abstract thinking into concrete action. Good methods don’t require genius — they decompose complex tasks into steps anyone can execute, and they compound through repetition.A method turns “I know” into “I can actually do it.”This category covers 35 core methods, organized into four groups:
- Learning Methods: acquire and retain knowledge more effectively
- Problem Solving: systematically find root causes and solutions
- Productivity & Execution: maximize the output of your time and energy
- Innovation & Decisions: make better choices under uncertainty
Learning Methods
Feynman Technique
Explain in simple terms to expose gaps in your understanding
Spaced Repetition
Review at increasing intervals to optimize long-term retention
Active Recall
Test yourself rather than re-reading to strengthen memory retrieval
Socratic Method
Use systematic questioning to expose assumptions and stimulate critical thinking
Mind Mapping
Visually organize information around a central concept
Rubber Duck Debugging
Explaining a problem to someone else often reveals the solution
Problem Solving
Five Whys
Ask “why?” repeatedly until you reach the root cause
Root Cause Analysis
Systematically identify the fundamental source of a problem
Fishbone Diagram
Organize potential causes by category in a visual tool
Six Thinking Hats
Examine any issue from six distinct perspectives: facts, emotion, caution, benefits, creativity, and process
SCAMPER Method
Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse
Brainstorming
Generate a large volume of ideas without evaluation or judgment
Force Field Analysis
Map driving and restraining forces to understand change dynamics
Nominal Group Technique
Structured group decision-making that prevents groupthink
Delphi Method
Anonymous, iterative expert consensus-building
Issue Tree Analysis
Decompose a complex problem into a structured tree of sub-issues
Hypothesis-Driven Thinking
State a hypothesis first, then gather evidence — not the reverse
Scientific Method
Observe → Hypothesize → Experiment → Conclude → Repeat
Productivity & Execution
Pomodoro Technique
25-minute focused sprints with 5-minute breaks
Getting Things Done (GTD)
Capture → Clarify → Organize → Review → Engage
Time Boxing
Allocate fixed time slots to tasks; enforce focused completion
Kanban Method
Visualize your workflow and limit work in progress
PDCA Cycle
Plan → Do → Check → Act — continuous improvement loop
OKR
Ambitious Objectives + measurable Key Results
KPI
Track goal progress with concrete, quantifiable metrics
MECE Principle
Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive — no gaps, no overlaps
Pareto Analysis
Identify the critical few causes that generate the majority of effects
Innovation & Decisions
Agile Methodology
Short iteration cycles, frequent feedback, adaptive planning
Lean Methodology
Maximize value; eliminate waste
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Test your core hypothesis with the simplest possible version
A/B Testing
Compare two versions; let data decide
Journaling
Regular written reflection to deepen self-awareness and learning
After Action Review (AAR)
Structured retrospective to extract lessons from completed work
Decision Journal
Document your reasoning at decision time to review it later
Pre-Mortem Analysis
Assume the project already failed — work backward to identify why