How to Break Down Big Projects (The Boss Battle Method)
A level 1 player cannot kill a level 50 dragon in one hit. Yet we try to do "Do Taxes" in one sitting and wonder why we fail.
The "Decomposition" Skill
Programmers call this "Decomposition." Breaking a problem into smaller functions. If a task takes more than 1 hour, it is not a Task. It is a Project (A Boss). Bosses must be broken down.
Visualizing Health Bars
Imagine the project has 100 HP. Every sub-task you do deals 5 Damage. Visualizing it this way stops you from feeling "I haven't finished yet." Instead, you think "I damaged it by 25% today." This reframes partial progress as Victory.
The "Save Point"
Always end your work session by setting up the next one. "Drafted email. Next step: Proofread send." This creates a "Save Point" so you can pick up tomorrow without confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I procrastinate on big projects?
When a task is vague ("Write Book"), your brain perceives it as a threat because it doesn't know where to start. This fear response triggers avoidance.
What is the Boss Battle Method?
It involves breaking a big task into "Phases" (just like a video game boss). Phase 1: Outline. Phase 2: Draft Chapter 1. Phase 3: Edit. You focus only on defeating the current Phase, not the whole boss.
How does MainQuest handle subtasks?
MainQuest allows you to create a "Checklist Quest." The Quest is the Boss, and the checklist items are the "Health Bars." As you check them off, the bar fills. You can visually see the boss dying.