Life Recipes or Recommendations
Recipes - Strict, Step‑by‑Step Instructions
What they are
Precise, non‑negotiable steps.
Designed to produce a specific, predictable outcome.
Often time‑bound or context‑specific.
Little room for interpretation.
Characteristics
Clear: “Do X, then Y, then Z.”
Repeatable: Same input → same output every time.
Rigid: Deviating risks failure.
Context‑dependent: Works only under defined conditions.
Examples
A baking recipe (200 g flour, 1 tsp baking powder, bake at 180°C for 25 min).
Software installation guide (run npm install, then npm start).
Emergency protocol (e.g., CPR steps).
Legal contract terms.
When to use
When safety, precision, or consistency is critical.
When you’re learning a new skill and need a reliable baseline.
In high‑stakes situations (medical, engineering, finance).
Risks
Can become obsolete if context changes.
May discourage creativity or adaptation.
Frustration if followed rigidly in mismatched situations.
Recommendations - Flexible, Principle‑Based Guidance
What they are
General principles or best practices.
Adaptable to individual needs, values, and circumstances.
Focus on intent and outcomes, not exact steps.
Invite experimentation and personalization.
Characteristics
Adaptable: “Consider X; adjust based on your situation.”
Empowering: Encourages judgment and ownership.
Ambiguous: No single “right” way.
Requires discernment: You must assess context.
Examples
“Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep, but listen to your body.”
“Prioritize deep work in 90‑minute blocks when possible.”
“Invest 10–20% of income, but adjust based on goals.”
“Communicate openly, but respect boundaries.”
When to use
When dealing with complex, evolving systems (health, relationships, career).
When personal values or constraints vary (budget, time, culture).
For long‑term habits where sustainability matters more than perfection.
When creativity or innovation is needed.
Risks
Over‑interpretation (“anything goes”).
Paralysis from too many options.
Lack of accountability if no clear benchmarks.
Key Contrasts
Aspect
Recipe
Recommendation
- Purpose
- Flexibility
- Success metric
- Best for
- Language
- Guarantee a specific result
- Low (follow exactly)
- Outcome matches blueprint
- Novices, standard tasks
- “Must,” “Always,” “Exactly”
- Guide toward a healthy direction
- High (adapt as needed)
- Progress aligns with values
- Experts, complex problems
- “Consider,” “Often,” “If possible”
How to Choose
Three Questions
Is the outcome safety‑critical?
Yes → Use a recipe (e.g., medication dosage).
No → Consider recommendations.
Do I have unique constraints?
Time, budget, health, culture → Lean toward recommendations.
Am I learning or optimizing?
Learning → Start with a recipe to build foundation.
Optimizing → Use recommendations to refine.
