Appetites, Not Estimates
Inspired by on Lenny's Podcast
'How long will it take to get ready?' expands infinitely. 'We're leaving in 20 minutes regardless' is fixed. Completely different dynamic.
Jason Fried's company never estimates how long things will take. Instead, they set 'appetites' - the maximum they're willing to spend on something. 'An estimate is like how long do we think it's going to take? An appetite is... our budget we're willing to spend. I'm only willing to spend six weeks on any feature.'
The difference is profound. With estimates, you're a victim of the work. With appetites, you control the work.
Parenting version: 'How long will it take to get ready for school?' is an estimate. It expands infinitely. 'We're leaving in 20 minutes regardless of what's done' is an appetite. Completely different dynamic.
'How long until they stop throwing tantrums?' - that's an estimate, and you'll suffer through years of uncertainty. 'I'm willing to stay calm and redirect for 3 minutes, then I'm walking away' - that's an appetite. You're in control.
Stop estimating. Start deciding what you're willing to spend - of time, energy, patience. That's your budget. Work within it.
PM Theme: Project management / time budgeting
Parenting Theme: Setting limits on time and energy
“This is not an estimate of time, it's an appetite, which is a radically different approach. An estimate is like how long do we think it's going to take? And however long it takes is however long it takes.”Jason Fried · 00:34:21
“We instead have appetites. And our appetite for any individual feature is no more than six weeks. Essentially that's our budget we're willing to spend.”Jason Fried · 00:34:21
