Information Asymmetry and Letting Go of Overthinking

Recently, while dining with friends, we started talking about workplace fatigue and how we all want to "do something on our own" but haven't taken action.

Because beyond our jobs, we're uncertain what else we can do.

Occasionally we have good ideas, but then we think about how much we don't know and can't figure out how to take that first step.

We keep wavering between "I don't want to work for others anymore" and "never mind, let's endure a bit longer," between "I have a good idea" and "but it seems too difficult."

These are two interesting propositions: the dilemma of information asymmetry and over-imagining the "unknown path."

This resonates deeply with me.

Take my recent small tool that I made for personal use - it seemed too simple to be worth publishing.

After all, there are so many similar tools, and the experts within my reach must already have convenient tools at hand.
Driven by some inexplicable force, I submitted it for store review. Surprisingly, users started downloading and using it, providing feedback that it met their needs and was simple to use.

It turns out that even in fields we think are "thoroughly explored," there are still gaps in understanding.

It's like the yogurt section in a supermarket - I choose A, he chooses B, and she goes to a different store altogether.

The so-called "information gap" exists because most people find it difficult to leave their own islands and venture into the ocean of information to explore other islands.

Beyond the information dilemma, many fears about the unknown come from imagining "I've never done this," "I don't have resources," "others have already done it well," "can I do it?"

When we have good ideas but don't act on them, when we have thoughts but dare not move forward. Perhaps this is how opportunities slip away, and admittedly, others deserve credit for taking action.

Looking back at my tool's journey to publication, there were many "unknown fears" that could have prevented its release and unexpected user adoption: • Never done this type before • This tool is too simple and ugly • I probably can't handle it • Others have done it much better • Will anyone actually use it? •...
Maybe it was my "Aries moon" at work, but after taking that first impulsive step, I discovered there weren't as many obstacles as imagined.

So, try to create the path of least resistance.

In this case, the path of least resistance was turning to AI for help with things I didn't understand.

Step by step, I moved forward: since I made it and used it, why not put it in the store and see if others would use it? Since people are using it, then...

Well, let's see where this goes. Feel the changes brought by new understanding and keep pushing forward.

Often, you don't need to see the entire mountain path clearly. Being able to confirm where your next step lands is enough to get started.

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❤️ Translated by Claude

👉 Original: [信息差以及抛开过度想象]