Yak shaving

Yak Shaving Definition

Yak shaving refers to the process of getting caught up in a series of small, seemingly unrelated tasks that need to be completed before a bigger task can be accomplished. These small tasks may not directly contribute to the main goal but are necessary prerequisites to eventually achieve it.

How Yak Shaving Happens

Yak shaving often starts with a seemingly simple task, but as one progresses, it can quickly spiral into a chain of increasingly obscure or unimportant tasks. There are a few reasons why yak shaving happens:

Dependencies between tasks

In some cases, each small task becomes a prerequisite for the next. This dependency leads to the need for completing the initial small tasks before moving on to the more significant task. It is like peeling off layers of an onion – each layer needs to be peeled before reaching the core.

Distraction and lack of clarity

Yak shaving can also occur as a result of distractions or a lack of clarity on the main goal. When the focus shifts to trivial details, individuals can get caught up in small, non-essential tasks that consume their time and attention. This diversion makes them lose sight of the main objective.

Prevention Tips

To prevent falling into the trap of yak shaving, consider the following tips:

Focus on the main goal

Always keep the main goal in mind and be mindful of getting sidetracked by smaller, non-essential tasks. Regularly remind yourself of the bigger picture and how each task contributes to the end result.

Break down larger tasks

Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. By doing so, you can prioritize these steps and ensure you are making progress on the most essential aspects of the project. This approach helps prevent getting caught up in less important activities while still moving towards the ultimate goal.

Regularly reassess tasks

Regularly evaluate whether the current task is directly contributing to the main goal or if it has become a diversion. This reassessment allows you to realign your focus and drop any tasks that are not essential to the overall objective.

Examples of Yak Shaving

To better understand yak shaving, consider the following scenarios:

Software Development

In software development, a developer may set out to write a simple function. However, while working on it, they realize that they need a particular library to achieve the desired functionality. To use that library, they need to update their development environment. Updating the environment leads to encountering compatibility issues, which require troubleshooting. During the troubleshooting process, they discover a bug in another part of the codebase that they decide to fix. This cycle of tasks continues until the original goal, writing the simple function, is finally accomplished.

Home Improvement

Let's say you want to hang a picture on the wall. However, you realize that the wall needs to be repainted before doing so. As you start preparing to paint the wall, you notice that there are holes that need to be patched. To patch the holes, you need spackling compound. But before you can buy the spackling compound, you realize you need to go to the hardware store. While at the store, you realize you also need a paint roller. Before you know it, a simple task of hanging a picture has turned into a more involved process of repainting the wall.

Links to Related Terms

• Project Scope Creep: The gradual expansion of a project's goals or features beyond its original intention.
• Analysis Paralysis: Overthinking or over-analyzing a situation to the point of inaction, leading to a lack of progress.

By understanding the concept of yak shaving and taking preventive measures, individuals can mitigate the tendency to get caught up in the minutiae of tasks and maintain focus on the main goal. Breaking down larger tasks, staying mindful of distractions, and regularly reassessing the relevance of tasks are key strategies to overcome the challenges associated with yak shaving.