Option forms

Different shapes an action program can take.

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• Commit

  Fully bind yourself to one course of action with no planned reversal.

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• Reversible probe

  Take a small action designed so you can fully undo it after learning from it.

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• Pilot

  Run a bounded, real version of the option with explicit success and stop conditions.

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• Phased path

  Break the commitment into stages where each stage earns the right to the next.

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• Contingent policy

  Pre-decide an if-then rule so the action fires automatically when a condition occurs.

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• Portfolio / barbell

  Hold several differentiated bets at once, often pairing very safe with very bold.

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• Hybrid

  Combine elements of two or more options into a single new one.

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• Transfer / delegate / automate

  Move the action to another person, tool, or system instead of doing it yourself.

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• Wait-and-monitor

  Deliberately hold position while actively watching for the information that will decide.

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• Exit / stop

  End the current course entirely, treating quitting as a first-class option.

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• Option-creating investment

  Instead of choosing among today's options, build a skill, resource, relationship, or runway that makes better future options reachable.

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