Update criterion, deadline, and stop rule

Decide in advance what evidence would settle the question, the date you must answer by, and the condition that makes you quit early. Without these three, exploring feels productive forever, because no result ever ends it.

Decide in advance what evidence would settle the question, the date you must answer by, and the condition that makes you quit early. Without these three, exploring feels productive forever, because no result ever ends it.

Example

Update criterion: three straight weeks of adding 10 pounds with no next-day swelling means the knee tolerates progressive load. Deadline: decide the training plan by March 15 regardless. Stop rule: two swelling episodes, or any sharp pain, ends the probe and sends you back to the PT.