Dealing with tester's block
I do a lot of writing, and sometimes I get blocked. I sit there staring at the page, and nothing comes out. The same thing happens sometimes when I'm testing. Sometimes it helps to figure out why I'm blocked:
If I can figure out why I'm blocked, often I can take the appropriate action to fix it. I can redefine the problem, change my approach, change my tools or data, or just step away for a bit if that's what I need.
- Have I defined the problem correctly (or as completely as I need to)?
- Am I using the wrong approach?
- Am I using the wrong tools
- Do I have incorrect data?
- Am I unable to fully engage because I'm tired, frustrated, or bored?
If I can figure out why I'm blocked, often I can take the appropriate action to fix it. I can redefine the problem, change my approach, change my tools or data, or just step away for a bit if that's what I need.