One of the things we strive to do here and on Instructables is to demystify the invention, innovation, and entrepreneurial processes. Each of us started this adventure with a slightly different vision of what innovators actually do to have impact and change the word, but in general, each of our visions were centered around a lab bench with a working prototype. And everyday, little by little, that vision is recalibrated.

The characters in Frank Herbert’s Dune series often think of plans within plans and wheels turning within wheels when they consider their complicated political landscape. Yesterday, I realized that the best way to organize and navigate my various tasks was with todo lists within todo lists. I’ve had lists two layers deep in the past, but yesterday was a watershed with a todo list three layers deep; the knowledge that this level of list was probably a long-term addition to my desk; and that the list had no technical tasks whatsoever.

Would-be innovators shouldn’t be discouraged! Instead, relish your time doing CAD, soldering, or working through equations on a whiteboard, because once the prototype works you’re only half-way there.