ALAP — As Late As Possible

ALAP — As Late As Possible

Delay the decision.

Update the information.

Strike with conviction.

1) PRINCIPLE

• Optionality is power. Keep doors open until the last responsible moment.
• Irreversible decisions = sacred. Don’t rush them.
• Reversible decisions = cheap. Try fast, learn fast, discard fast.

2) WHY IT WORKS

• More data → better choices. Waiting filters noise from signal.
• Less waste. You avoid building the wrong thing too early.
• More focus. When it’s time to act, you act hard.

3) PLAYBOOK (Do this)

1. Name the decision. What exactly must be chosen?
2. Set the drop‑dead time. Define the latest responsible moment.
3. Keep options alive. Prototypes > promises. Drafts > declarations.
4. Feed the funnel. Seek fast signals: tiny tests, quick pings, micro‑bets.
5. Commit cleanly. When it’s time, burn the boats—execute, don’t waffle.
6. Review + refine. After action, capture lessons. Iterate the system.

4) DOMAINS (Same DNA, different uniforms)

• Money: Don’t buy fear or sell panic. Make rules, wait for your signal, then move. (Patience isn’t delay; it’s discipline.)
• Projects: Start tasks at the latest start that still hits the deadline. Reduce idle work; crush one thing at a time.
• Product / Ops: Postpone final customization. Build the base now; decide the flavor when demand speaks.

5) MENTAL MODELS

• LRM: Last Responsible Moment—not later, not earlier.
• Two‑way vs. one‑way doors: Walk through two‑way doors fast; pause at one‑way doors until ready.
• Default no → Hell‑yes yes: If it’s not a clear yes, it’s a graceful wait.

6) MICRO‑RULES

• Calendar: Keep it light. Space creates clarity.
• Inbox: Don’t react; triage. Most things age into irrelevance.
• Build: Sketch now, ship later. Many sketches, one clean ship.
• Money: Automate the boring, debate the irreversible.
• Health: Sleep early, lift heavy, walk often—energy fuels judgment.

7) WORKOUTS (Try today)

• The 24‑Hour Rule: For any non‑urgent, irreversible choice, wait 24 hours. Re‑read with fresh eyes.
• One‑Pager: Write the decision, options, risks, and “time of last responsible choice.” Tape it near your desk.
• Micro‑Experiments: Run a 48‑hour test that costs <$50 or <5 hours. Decide based on the result, not a hunch.
• Kill a Zombie: Identify one half‑alive project. End it cleanly. Free the energy.

8) CHECKS

• Am I waiting because I’m scared—or because I’m wise?
• What new information might arrive before the deadline?
• If I had to decide right now, what would I pick—and why? (Journal it. Revisit later.)

9) MANTRA

Wait long. Learn much.

Decide once. Drive hard.

ALAP isn’t procrastination—it’s precision.

Hold your fire. Load your facts.

When the moment turns green—GO BIG. 🚀