Great advice to help think through tough challenges. I can see how this would apply to "writing yourself into corner" or any writer's block, too. Link is here. Snippet is below:
In the body of the message, start by typing a 2-3 sentence paragraph summarizing the trouble you’re having, with a focus not on your frustration or your dramatic need for immediate help — instead concentrate on coolly describing exactly what you want to accomplish as well as what happens when you try the approach that hasn’t been working for you. Remember: you’re theoretically writing this to the smartest, busiest person you know, so don’t waste their time with theatrics, melodrama, and passive-aggression; just give them accurate information that describes where you’re getting hung up.
Next, explain the ways you’ve already tried to solve this problem, including any alternate solutions, workarounds, hacks, reboots, etc. Anything that will help this very smart friend rule out possible causes is useful. And don’t be reluctant to use Google as you go; fact-checking yourself, choosing precise language, and ensuring that you’ve framed the right problem.
Next, explain the ways you’ve already tried to solve this problem, including any alternate solutions, workarounds, hacks, reboots, etc. Anything that will help this very smart friend rule out possible causes is useful. And don’t be reluctant to use Google as you go; fact-checking yourself, choosing precise language, and ensuring that you’ve framed the right problem.
