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Newton's pendulum - Leadership/individuality concepts

Every machine — no matter how simple or advanced — runs on a logical sequence. One step triggers the next, which triggers the next. This flow is what makes the system operate correctly.When something breaks, it’s because one of those steps didn’t happen.That’s the heart of troubleshooting: not guessing what might be wrong, but observing where in the sequence things stopped. The better you understand that sequence, the faster and more accurately you can find the problem.<h3>Gas Furnace That Doesn't Start</h3>Most people don’t know this, but even a typical home furnace has a very specific order of operations. When you turn up the thermostat, the system doesn’t just “turn on” — it follows a chain of steps:1. The thermostat sends a signal to the control board.2. The inducer fan starts, drawing air through the heat exchanger.3. A pressure switch checks if airflow is present.4. If airflow is confirmed, the igniter begins to heat up.5. Once the igniter reaches the right temperature, the gas valve opens.6. Gas flows to the burner and ignites.7. A flame sensor detects the flame.8. The blower turns on to push warm air through the house.That’s a sequence. Each step depends on the one before it.If a furnace doesn’t produce heat, and you understand this chain, you can walk through each step logically:Is the inducer fan spinning?Is the pressure switch closing?Is the igniter glowing?Is gas flowing?Is the flame sensor detecting it?At some point, you’ll find the step that didn’t happen. That’s your missing piece.<h3>Why This Approach Matters</h3><figure id="figure-v3o5vjr1ybm9mq5e1r"><img id="v3o5vjr1ybm9mq5e1r" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2047948396/photo/red-wooden-block-stop-other-falling-dominos.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LwgPQYzLrL0Mpva4qAM7FDQxRoXMnX1yq9z33_HHluo=" alt="Red wooden block stop other falling dominos" title="Red wooden block stop other falling dominos" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2047948396/photo/red-wooden-block-stop-other-falling-dominos.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LwgPQYzLrL0Mpva4qAM7FDQxRoXMnX1yq9z33_HHluo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Most people jump straight to solutions. They start replacing parts or Googling “furnace not heating” and throw money at the problem. But if you take a breath and break down the sequence, you can isolate the failure without wasting time or money.This isn’t just true for furnaces. The concept applies to everything:<ul><li>A dishwasher that won’t run? It has a door switch, water fill, heating, wash cycle, and drain sequence.</li><li>A car that won’t start? It follows steps like key signal, battery power, starter engagement, fuel delivery, and spark.</li><li>A 3D printer failing mid-print? It’s running on precise movement and sensor feedback systems — each with its own sequence.</li></ul>All of these systems rely on order. If you can spot that order, you can spot the break.<h3>The Method Is the Mindset</h3><figure id="figure-sf2emded8bm9mq67ha"><img id="sf2emded8bm9mq67ha" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7djXxZ77it3j6nMrinH3Ch1BWot8YUL0bUzE8JFQ4YaUz3B9yrdlzyWsStt5tl0p.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 40% 40%;" data-corners="no-rounded" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="40%" data-positionY="40%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>This is exactly why The Internet Method focuses so heavily on breaking things down:First, identify the symptom (Why do I think there’s a problem?)Then, understand the normal sequence (What is needed for normal operation?)Finally, find the missing step (Which needed item is missing?)You don’t have to be a tech expert to do this. The goal is to train yourself to think like a troubleshooter — not a guesser.Learning to use a multimeter is important. Knowing what each wire does is helpful. But none of that matters if you haven’t slowed down long enough to figure out what’s supposed to happen in the first place.Machines are predictable. Sequences are reliable. When you stop and look for the order, the answer almost always reveals itself.<h3>Ready to go deeper?</h3>My book I Will Teach You to Fix Anything breaks down the Internet Method step-by-step and shows you how to troubleshoot anything with confidence — no experience required.It’s not a repair manual. It’s a mindset manual.

Every Machine Has a Sequence — You Just Have to Look for It

You’re standing in the tool aisle. One ratchet is $5. Another is $80. They both say “chrome vanadium,” they both turn bolts, and let’s be honest—you’re wondering if the expensive one is just for people who like showing off.Spoiler alert: there is a difference. But depending on how you use your tools, it might not be the difference you think.<h3>What Makes a Ratchet Expensive?</h3>Let’s break down where that price tag comes from:1. Teeth CountThe number of teeth in the ratchet gear determines how far you have to swing the handle to engage the next click.<ul><li>Cheap ratchet: 24–36 teeth (big swing needed)</li><li>Premium ratchet: 72–120 teeth (short swing, smooth feel)</li></ul>If you’re working in tight spaces (like under a dash or in an engine bay), more teeth = more control. 2. Materials and Finish$5 ratchets use lower-grade metals that might deform under stress.$80 ratchets often use higher-grade alloys, better heat treatment, and finishes that resist corrosion and feel great in hand.You’re not just paying for durability—you’re paying for comfort, balance, and longevity.<figure id="figure-z4gjgagncem9kp54lc"><img id="z4gjgagncem9kp54lc" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/509793824/photo/ratchet-gear.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=7p7heTzrTcVzF49qCToeH_etPDDNtYbiZIdw450xhoU=" alt="Ratchet gear" title="Ratchet gear" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/509793824/photo/ratchet-gear.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=7p7heTzrTcVzF49qCToeH_etPDDNtYbiZIdw450xhoU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>3. Mechanism and TolerancesCheaper ratchets often have looser internals and simpler pawl mechanisms. That means more slop (backlash), less torque tolerance, and a greater chance of stripping out when things get tough. High-end ratchets have tighter tolerances, dual pawls, and sealed mechanisms that keep dirt out and keep the action silky smooth.4. Warranty and Brand TrustA cheap ratchet often comes with no warranty—or worse, a “good luck” return policy. The $80 ratchet? Lifetime warranty. Break it, and they’ll replace it. That’s not just customer service—it’s confidence in their product.But Do You Need the Expensive One?Not always.Here’s the rule of thumb:<ul><li>If you're an occasional DIYer or only use a ratchet a few times a year, a decent mid-range tool will serve you well.</li><li>If you're turning wrenches every weekend, crawling into engine bays, or working in tight spots—yes, the $80 ratchet earns its keep.</li><li>If you’re fixing something professionally? That $80 ratchet might save you money over time by preventing busted knuckles, stripped bolts, and tool failures mid-job.</li></ul><h3>The Internet Method Perspective: Buy Tools That Match Your Workflow</h3>Just like troubleshooting requires the right mindset, fixing things requires the right tools. Buying cheap tools for the sake of saving money can lead to frustration, rework, or failure when you need performance most.My take: Go with the highest tooth count and best material quality ratchet you can afford.Tools don’t have to be expensive—but they do have to be reliable. A good ratchet isn’t just a luxury. It’s an investment in your sanity<h3>Final Thought: The $5 Ratchet Might Work—Until It Doesn’t</h3>We’ve all been there. You buy the cheap one, it works… for a while. Then one day you’re stuck in a job, bolt half-loose, ratchet locked up, and you’re muttering regrets under your breath.Spend the money once, or spend it twice. That’s the rule.Want a guide to the essential tools you should own—without overspending?Download the free “Basic Tool List” at theinternetmethod.com and start building a kit that won’t let you down.

Why Is One Ratchet $5 and Another $80?

Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Data Technology

I’m going to be blunt: most people don’t actually stop and think before diving into a problem. We all do it — myself included. Something breaks, and our instinct is to jump in and fix it. But that’s the problem. We try to fix before we’ve figured out what’s actually wrong. Think about Aesop’s fable of the tortoise and the hare. “Slow and steady wins the race” has stuck around for a reason — because it’s true. Especially when it comes to troubleshooting.<figure id="figure-lch9unsx7qm9kefduz"><img id="lch9unsx7qm9kefduz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/182752038/photo/tortoise-and-hare-at-the-finish-line.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=G0K4gsp1cSK5w7F3kyGR3rmY-SzEcF9hdR9pP5cM5Hw=" alt="Tortoise and hare at the finish line" title="Tortoise and hare at the finish line" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/182752038/photo/tortoise-and-hare-at-the-finish-line.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=G0K4gsp1cSK5w7F3kyGR3rmY-SzEcF9hdR9pP5cM5Hw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>When you’re presented with a problem, the very first thing you need to do is pause. Observe. Ask yourself, Why do I think there’s a problem? This moment of reflection is crucial, even in emergencies.<h3>Professionals never rush.</h3>I’ve been there — literally. I executed helicopter search and rescue missions in the Coast Guard. High-stress, high-stakes situations. But even then, we didn’t just jump into action. We circled the scene, quickly briefed the crew, and made sure we understood the situation before beginning the rescue.<figure id="figure-wvochhu8w3m9keij3e"><img id="wvochhu8w3m9keij3e" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/172346688/photo/helicopter-rescue.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=R5PtEU12CbTRo8WV0yxD547UkBhqvzls9Nl2aCiC7Ks=" alt="Helicopter Rescue" title="Helicopter Rescue" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/172346688/photo/helicopter-rescue.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=R5PtEU12CbTRo8WV0yxD547UkBhqvzls9Nl2aCiC7Ks=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>After that, I worked in an ER for two years. Want to know something you’ll only learn in a trauma room? People in the ER don’t run. You calmly approach, you assess, and only then do you act. Rushing in without thinking just creates more problems.<h3>My method to the madness</h3>That’s why I built the Internet Method — a three-step troubleshooting approach designed to help anyone fix almost anything, no matter your experience. Step one is stopping to identify the symptom. Step two is thinking through what’s needed for normal operation. And step three is simply spotting what’s missing. It’s logical, teachable, and repeatable. Now, I get it — some folks might say, “But what good is a method if I don’t know how to use a multimeter?” And sure, sometimes you’ll need to learn how to test voltage or continuity. But that’s the easy part. What’s much harder is learning to slow down and think methodically. We naturally understand sequences — that’s how our brains work. If you can pause, observe, and follow the Internet Method, you’ll see the patterns. You’ll see what’s working and what isn’t. And over time, your confidence will grow, because you won’t be guessing. You’ll be diagnosing. This method has helped me in every crazy job I’ve had — from helicopters to hospitals to particle accelerators. And I truly believe it can help you too.I'd be humbled if you tried it out too.

Why I Believe the Internet Method Will Help You Fix Anything

Let me ask you something: have you ever replaced a part… only to find out it didn’t fix the problem? In the Coast Guard we called that shotgun maintenance.&nbsp;You’re not alone. Most people don’t troubleshoot—they guess. They Google the symptoms, find a forum post, and swap out the same part someone else replaced. Sometimes it works. Most times, it doesn’t. And every wrong guess costs time, money, and sanity.That’s why the second principle of The Internet Method is all about what’s needed for normal operation—and how to prove what's missing.<figure id="figure-b7nmrr91vm9j7fotz"><img id="b7nmrr91vm9j7fotz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1411881269/photo/why.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=JQ-QURTsdBwug785NEi4tDSA1DOur2FVff9x_09d6tQ=" alt="Why" title="Why" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1411881269/photo/why.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=JQ-QURTsdBwug785NEi4tDSA1DOur2FVff9x_09d6tQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Guessing Is the Enemy of Efficiency</h3>When you guess, you're treating the symptom, not solving the problem. It's like putting a bucket under a leak without figuring out where the water's coming from.Guessing leads to:<ul><li>Replacing good parts</li><li>Wasting time and money</li><li>Ignoring the real cause</li><li>Eventually giving up</li></ul>Troubleshooting, on the other hand, is about logic and testing. It’s about proving what works and what doesn’t—so you only fix what actually needs fixing.<h3>Assumptions Are Your Blind Spots</h3>Let’s say your car won’t start. You might assume it’s the starter. But did you check if the battery is good? Did you test if power is getting to the starter? Did you rule out the ignition switch?Every assumption is a shortcut that skips understanding. And every time you skip understanding, you risk walking straight past the real issue.<figure id="figure-v1wkr32vnwm9j7h77g"><img id="v1wkr32vnwm9j7h77g" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/182853712/photo/businessman-on-white-throwing-dart-with-hand-over-eyes.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MJRiPfN3QKc6YhS15K2wNQ2wkuCSYiyxQ24mx4aCWBk=" alt="Businessman on white throwing dart with hand over eyes" title="Businessman on white throwing dart with hand over eyes" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/182853712/photo/businessman-on-white-throwing-dart-with-hand-over-eyes.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MJRiPfN3QKc6YhS15K2wNQ2wkuCSYiyxQ24mx4aCWBk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Test. Everything. (Cheaply First)</h3>You don’t need fancy tools to test things, you need a strategy. Once you’ve located where in the sequence of operation the system stops, your next move is simple:Test the cheapest or easiest-to-check items first.That means:Don’t buy a new router—check if power is even getting to the plug.Don’t assume your phone battery is bad—try another charger.Proving something works is just as valuable as finding what doesn't. Every “known good” you confirm shrinks the list of suspects and gets you one step closer to the actual fix.Tie-In: The Internet Method Step TwoThis is exactly why The Internet Method works.Step 1: Why do I think there’s a problem? (Define the symptom.) Step 2: What is needed for normal operation? (List everything that must work.) Step 3: Which needed item is missing? (Check each one, and test until you find the failure.)Testing is how you move from Step 2 to Step 3. Without tests, you’re just throwing darts blindfolded.<figure id="figure-9eku3nt9dtm9j7jtwb"><img id="9eku3nt9dtm9j7jtwb" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1831868088/photo/dart-board-with-three-darts-in-the-red-bulls-eye.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=dwTphoSBVNyllBUe3IMGylaBs11A6LaFNiFpQMHzNTQ=" alt="Dart board with three darts in the red bull's-eye" title="Dart board with three darts in the red bull's-eye" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Final Thought: Don’t Be a Shotgun Maintainer&nbsp;</h3>You don’t need to be an expert to troubleshoot like one. You just need to prove your way to the answer instead of assuming it. Anyone can learn to test, observe, eliminate, and confirm.So next time something breaks, don’t reach for your wallet. Reach for your multimeter, your eyes, your ears, or your Google search bar—and start proving. Want help testing your way through problems?Grab the free troubleshooting worksheet at theinternetmethod.com. Learn how to fix anything with logic, not luck.

Drop the Shotgun and Pick Up a Meter: Why Testing Beats Guessing Every Time

If you want to be great at troubleshooting, you don’t need a fancy toolbelt or a degree in electrical engineering. You just need to think like a 5-year-old. Why? Because kids that age have one unstoppable weapon in their arsenal: relentless curiosity.When you channel the endless curiosity of a toddler, you unlock a power most adults have sadly forgotten.<h3>&nbsp; Why Is That Like That? No, But Why?</h3> Have you ever been interrogated by a preschooler? It goes something like this:“Why is the sky blue?” “Because of how light scatters in the atmosphere.” “Why does light scatter?” “Well… because… um…” “WHY!?” This isn’t just cute—it’s genius. Every “why” peels back a layer. Every question gets you closer to the root of what’s really going on. That’s exactly what great troubleshooters do.<h3>&nbsp; The Danger of Adult Brain</h3><figure id="figure-d4sr0s188dm9gay3na"><img id="d4sr0s188dm9gay3na" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/459229011/photo/bright-young-mind.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=JT5HFHn-H6oBeTO2RW6dBt_e348eD3LxHMtnPO69P7M=" alt="Bright young mind" title="Bright young mind" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/459229011/photo/bright-young-mind.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=JT5HFHn-H6oBeTO2RW6dBt_e348eD3LxHMtnPO69P7M=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined% 50%;"></figure> Somewhere along the way, we trade curiosity for assumptions. We stop asking why. We start guessing. We hear “the engine clicks but won’t start” and immediately think “starter motor,” because that’s what some forum told us last time.But guessing isn’t troubleshooting. It’s gambling.When we stop being curious, we stop being good at solving problems. Real troubleshooting isn’t about being right on the first try. It’s about being curious enough to get it right in the end.<h3>&nbsp; The Internet Method Starts With “Why Do I Think There’s a Problem?”</h3> That’s not a rhetorical question. It’s the first step of the Internet Method because it forces you to pause and observe. You’re not allowed to fix anything yet. First, you notice something’s off, and then you question it.Start asking like a 5-year-old:Why did it work before and not now? Why is this part hot when it shouldn't be? Why does it only fail under load? Why do I think that sound is “normal”? Why am I assuming it’s electrical? Every “why” strips away lazy thinking. Every “why” replaces assumptions with knowledge.<h3>&nbsp; Curiosity Builds a Map</h3> When you ask why, you build a mental map of the system—how it works, what it needs, and how each part fits together. That map is what separates a guesser from a fixer.Blindly following steps off YouTube is like using GPS without learning the roads. You arrive, but you didn’t learn anything. You couldn’t get back home if you had to.But when you ask why—at every turn—you’re learning the route. You’re building real skill.<h3>&nbsp; Final Thought: Never Grow Up</h3><figure id="figure-dkp0vmunnhm9gb1ibz"><img id="dkp0vmunnhm9gb1ibz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/471176713/photo/peter-pan-young-boy-dressed-up.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=NXk6_FPtyMGH2-e4NFUCIb-ydEwVKvzYyqEZg1KsJ1k=" alt="Peter Pan young boy dressed up" title="Peter Pan young boy dressed up" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> The best troubleshooters never grow up. They just learn how to turn their curiosity into a process. The Internet Method gives you that structure, but your superpower is your mindset.So go full toddler. Be annoying. Be relentless. Ask “why” until someone tells you to stop.Then ask it one more time.&nbsp; Curious about more? That same curiosity that helps you fix things can help you learn how to fix anything. Check out my book, I Will Teach You to Fix Anything.

Curiosity Is Your Superpower: Why 5-Year-Olds Make the Best Troubleshooters

Man scientist having problems with electronics while working on a project

<h2>Understanding the Importance of Proper Troubleshooting</h2>You’ve learned the method. You know how to define the problem (Why do I think there is a problem?) You know how to break down the system (What is needed for normal operation?) You know how to identify what’s missing (Which needed item is missing?)Now it’s time to talk about the stuff that throws people off track — the missteps, mental traps, and habits that lead to wasted time, wasted parts, and sometimes a thrown wrench across the garage.These are the most common troubleshooting pitfalls. If you can spot them (and avoid them), you’ll be miles ahead of the average fixer.Let’s dive in.<figure id="figure-zem45rcnsm9fqhbbs"><img id="zem45rcnsm9fqhbbs" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/625908018/photo/confused-bearded-man-in-eyeglasses-shrugging-his-shoulders.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=DWrYKeykA_sefLfHif8UWW1cOBoDX5HKrhDwIrlhwGU=" alt="Confused bearded man in eyeglasses shrugging his shoulders" title="Confused bearded man in eyeglasses shrugging his shoulders" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Pitfall #1: Guessing Instead of Thinking</h3>We’ve all done it. Something breaks and we immediately jump into action: unplug it, restart it, wiggle something, maybe even whack it gently.Sometimes we get lucky. But most of the time, we’re just flailing.The fix: Slow down. Use the method. Even if you think you know what’s wrong, walk yourself through the three W’s. It takes 30 seconds and can save you from chasing the wrong lead for 2 hours.<h3>Pitfall #2: Fixating on a Single Solution &nbsp;</h3>Once we get an idea in our head — “It’s probably the motherboard,” “I bet it’s the transmission” — we often stop looking at other possibilities.But troubleshooting requires flexibility.The fix: Be willing to prove yourself wrong. If your current theory isn’t working, revisit your list of what’s needed for normal operation. Check each item again. The real issue might be something far simpler than your original theory.<h3>Pitfall #3: Overcomplicating Simple Problems &nbsp;</h3>You spend 20 minutes checking electrical continuity through four components before realizing the power cord isn’t plugged in. Or your device won’t start… because it’s switched off.The fix: Start simple. Always. Is it plugged in? Powered on? Is the switch flipped? You’d be amazed how often the fix is embarrassingly basic — and that’s a good thing.<img id="1mspucve2nm9fqhh37" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight, 400); aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/7ALEQRtwOzcFTp3AI6bDHVf4iFSKUHmlEXqFMEFjVUloLsU77dpjZ1VlJagIRxCX.jpeg" alt="online support" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/7ALEQRtwOzcFTp3AI6bDHVf4iFSKUHmlEXqFMEFjVUloLsU77dpjZ1VlJagIRxCX.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"><h3>Pitfall #4: Letting Frustration Take the Wheel &nbsp;</h3>We’ve all been there — red-faced, muttering at a piece of equipment, on the verge of declaring it possessed by gremlins.But emotion clouds logic. And logic is what gets things fixed.The fix: Step away. Take a breath. Come back with a clear head and a calm mind. You’ll spot things you missed and make better decisions when you’re not in “rage fix” mode.<h3>Pitfall #5: Blindly Following Internet Tutorials &nbsp;</h3>Yes, I’m aware this blog post is on the internet. But here’s the thing: following tutorials without thinking is like using GPS and never learning the roads. You get there, but you can’t get back.The fix: Don’t just follow the steps — ask yourself why each step is being done. What is it testing? What does it rule out? Tutorials are great for learning techniques — not shortcuts to answers.<h3>Pitfall #6: Not Tracking What You've Tried</h3><figure id="figure-qxoodzn3tm9frely3"><img id="qxoodzn3tm9frely3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2124241237/photo/blank-blackboard-with-chalk-background-texture.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=_9LoGxyEVtl27dBqCY96K02Si3Nggj4d6DJ02bRu5mo=" alt="Blank blackboard with chalk background texture" title="Blank blackboard with chalk background texture" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2124241237/photo/blank-blackboard-with-chalk-background-texture.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=_9LoGxyEVtl27dBqCY96K02Si3Nggj4d6DJ02bRu5mo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> If you’re trying the same fix for the third time because you forgot you already did it… welcome to this pitfall.The fix: Take notes. Nothing fancy — just jot down each test or fix you try and what the result was. It keeps you organized and makes it way easier to get help if you need to call in backup.<h3>&nbsp; Pitfall #7: Not Knowing When to Call for Help</h3> Some people throw in the towel too early. Others keep tinkering until they make it worse.There’s a sweet spot: keep going if it’s safe and you’re still learning. Ask for help if the stakes are high, the system is complex, or you’re getting nowhere fast.The fix: Ask yourself:<ul><li>Is this safe for me to work on?</li><li>Do I have the right tools or info?</li><li>Am I stuck in circles?</li></ul> Calling in backup isn’t failure — it’s smart troubleshooting.<h3>&nbsp; Bonus: The Confidence Trap</h3> Sometimes, the better you get at fixing things, the more you think you can skip the method. You get cocky.Until one day… you spend an hour diagnosing the wrong thing because you forgot to ask, “Why do I think there’s a problem?”The fix: Confidence is great. But don’t let it replace curiosity. The Internet Method works because it slows you down and forces you to think. Stick to the framework, no matter how “obvious” the problem feels.<h3>&nbsp; Final Thoughts</h3> Troubleshooting isn’t just about fixing stuff. It’s about how you approach problems.Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll:<ul><li>Solve things faster</li><li>Save money on parts you didn’t need</li><li>Get better at thinking clearly under pressure</li></ul>Mistakes happen. That’s normal. But learning to spot these traps — and climb out of them — is what turns you into a serious fixer.

The Internet Method

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