When stuck

When Stuck - Problem-Solving Dispatch

Overview

Different stuck-types need different techniques. This skill helps you quickly identify which problem-solving skill to use.

Core principle: Match stuck-symptom to technique.

Quick Dispatch

digraph stuck_dispatch {
    rankdir=TB;
    node [shape=box, style=rounded];

    stuck [label="You're Stuck", shape=ellipse, style=filled, fillcolor=lightblue];

    complexity [label="Same thing implemented 5+ ways?\nGrowing special cases?\nExcessive if/else?"];
    innovation [label="Can't find fitting approach?\nConventional solutions inadequate?\nNeed breakthrough?"];
    patterns [label="Same issue in different places?\nFeels familiar across domains?\nReinventing wheels?"];
    assumptions [label="Solution feels forced?\n'This must be done this way'?\nStuck on assumptions?"];
    scale [label="Will this work at production?\nEdge cases unclear?\nUnsure of limits?"];
    bugs [label="Code behaving wrong?\nTest failing?\nUnexpected output?"];

    stuck -> complexity;
    stuck -> innovation;
    stuck -> patterns;
    stuck -> assumptions;
    stuck -> scale;
    stuck -> bugs;

    complexity -> simp [label="yes"];
    innovation -> collision [label="yes"];
    patterns -> meta [label="yes"];
    assumptions -> invert [label="yes"];
    scale -> scale_skill [label="yes"];
    bugs -> debug [label="yes"];

    simp [label="skills/problem-solving/\nsimplification-cascades", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
    collision [label="skills/problem-solving/\ncollision-zone-thinking", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
    meta [label="skills/problem-solving/\nmeta-pattern-recognition", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
    invert [label="skills/problem-solving/\ninversion-exercise", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
    scale_skill [label="skills/problem-solving/\nscale-game", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
    debug [label="skills/debugging/\nsystematic-debugging", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightyellow];
}

Stuck-Type → Technique

How You're Stuck	Use This Skill
Complexity spiraling - Same thing 5+ ways, growing special cases	skills/problem-solving/simplification-cascades
Need innovation - Conventional solutions inadequate, can't find fitting approach	skills/problem-solving/collision-zone-thinking
Recurring patterns - Same issue different places, reinventing wheels	skills/problem-solving/meta-pattern-recognition
Forced by assumptions - "Must be done this way", can't question premise	skills/problem-solving/inversion-exercise
Scale uncertainty - Will it work in production? Edge cases unclear?	skills/problem-solving/scale-game
Code broken - Wrong behavior, test failing, unexpected output	skills/debugging/systematic-debugging
Multiple independent problems - Can parallelize investigation	skills/collaboration/dispatching-parallel-agents
Root cause unknown - Symptom clear, cause hidden	skills/debugging/root-cause-tracing

Process

1. Identify stuck-type - What symptom matches above?
2. Load that skill - Read the specific technique
3. Apply technique - Follow its process
4. If still stuck - Try different technique or combine

Combining Techniques

Some problems need multiple techniques:

• Simplification + Meta-pattern: Find pattern, then simplify all instances
• Collision + Inversion: Force metaphor, then invert its assumptions
• Scale + Simplification: Extremes reveal what to eliminate

Remember

• Match symptom to technique
• One technique at a time
• Combine if first doesn't work
• Document what you tried