Satisfaction and progress in open-ended work

https://blog.andymatuschak.org/post/159979927467/satisfaction-and-progress-in-open-ended-work

The problem

Open-ended goals seem to benefit from butt-in-seat type work. Putting in the practice eventually leads to great things. However, you don’t know if that time is wasted - did that time in the chair actually move me forward? If I can’t measure progress I can’t course correct.

Checklists

Checklists give progress and daily satisifaction but don’t add up over time. Completing 900 tasks doesn’t feel like “Great Work”

Great work

Great work requires inspiration. You don’t know which day’s work will lead towards inspiration. You don’t know if you should continue on a path, you don’t know if you should switch it up.

Solution

Achievement based tasks should have larger durations attached - in six months I will. Daily tasks should be rewarded (satisfying) if the time has been put in (not achivement oriented).

The achievement provides a goalpost to reflect on at larger intervals without getting hung up on a wasted day or searching for that perfect day of flow.