Tier 4

arev - Assume Reversible

Assume Reversible

Input: $ARGUMENTS

Core Move

Assume the decision is fully reversible. If it doesn’t work, you can undo it completely and return to the current state. No permanent consequences.

If truly reversible, the calculus changes radically: the cost of trying drops to near zero, and the value of information from trying skyrockets.

Procedure

Step 1: State the Decision/Action

What are we assuming is reversible?

Step 2: Force the Assumption

“This is fully reversible. If it doesn’t work, we can undo it completely with no lasting consequences.”

Step 3: Trace Implications

If it’s truly reversible:

  1. Should we just try it? — If reversal is free, the expected value of trying is almost always positive (you learn something).
  2. What do we learn from trying? — What information do we gain that we can’t get any other way?
  3. What’s the reversal mechanism? — How specifically would we undo it?
  4. What’s the reversal cost? — Even reversible actions have reversal costs (time, effort, transition). What are they?
  5. What’s the reversal timeline? — How long does undoing take?
  6. What’s NOT reversed? — Even in “reversible” situations, some things change permanently (reputation, knowledge, time spent).

Step 4: Test the Assumption

  • Is it ACTUALLY reversible? Many things feel reversible but aren’t (relationships, reputation, market timing).
  • What’s the hidden cost of reversal?
  • Does reversal create its own problems (flip-flopping perception, migration costs)?
  • Is there a point of no return after which reversal becomes impossible?

Step 5: Synthesize

DECISION: [stated]
ASSUMING REVERSIBLE:
  Try it?: [yes/no — reasoning]
  Learn from trying: [information gained]
  Reversal mechanism: [how to undo]
  Reversal cost: [time, effort, other]
  NOT reversed: [what changes permanently]
ACTUALLY REVERSIBLE?: [yes/mostly/partially/no]
RECOMMENDATION: [try it / get more info first / treat as irreversible]

When to Use

  • Stuck in analysis paralysis on a decision
  • Want to test whether “just try it” is the right call
  • Evaluating risk by assessing reversibility

Integration

  • Use as a decision-speed heuristic: if reversible, bias toward action
  • Follow with /dcp for the full decision if NOT reversible
  • Pair with /afail to assess downside if the trial fails