The first in a series of bite-sized rationality prompts[1].
This is my most common opening-move for Instrumental Rationality. There are many, many other pieces of instrumental rationality. But asking this question is usually a helpful way to get started. Often, simply asking myself "what's my goal?" is enough to direct my brain to a noticeably better solution, with no further work.
** Examples**
Puzzle Games
I'm playing Portal 2, or Baba is You. I'm fiddling around with the level randomly, sometimes going in circles. I notice I've been doing that awhile.
I ask "what's my goal?"
And then my eyes automatically glance at the exit for the level and realize I can't possibly make progress unless I solve a particular obstacle, which none of my fiddling-around was going to help with.
Arguing
I'm arguing with a person, poking holes in their position. I easily notice considerations [...]
Outline:
(00:33) Examples
(02:50) Triggers
(03:31) Exercises for the Reader
The original text contained 1 footnote which was omitted from this narration.
First published:
July 2nd, 2025
Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/ry4nLykB2piWJpK7M/what-s-my-goal)
Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO).
