Long reach vs. short reach problems

Problems come in all shapes and sizes. We’re used to thinking about them in terms of easy vs. hard problems.

The reach of a problem is different from how difficult it may be. The problem of “what’s for lunch” can be easy or difficult, but we face this problem every day, and the consequences usually fade quickly. “Where should I live” is a problem with longer reach. It arises more rarely and the consequences can have an impact even beyond one’s lifetime.

Short reach problems

High volume, rapid decisions: you might face these problems over and over again

Long reach problems

Low volume, slow decisions: you might face these problems as rarely as once in a lifetime

Readily available inputs: the decision must be made with the information available at hand.

Inputs require pursuit: before deciding, you may have to investigate further.

Readily available outcomes: once the decision is made, it’s clear whether the decision was good or bad.

Unintended consequences: once the decision is made, the outcome may look clear at first, but surprises may arise later.

Recurring situations: you can adapt to a problem if it arises repeatedly.

Unique situations: without repetition, you may have only one shot at making the right decision

Solution tools: neural nets tend to work well

Solution tools: reasoning tends to work well

See also