# Mission: Freeform Thinking (via NYT Connections)

## Why
I get tripped up by Connections — my mind locks onto the first reading of a word
and won't let go. I want to feel an *ease of freeform thinking*: the ability to
hold a word, an idea, or a problem loosely and let it spin into its other meanings
without committing too early. The puzzle is the training ground; mental flexibility
is the real prize.

## Success looks like
- I can look at a word and reflexively generate 2–4 *different* meanings/buckets for it before deciding anything.
- I notice when I've fixated — and have a move to break the lock — instead of staring.
- I hold groupings loosely and *defer commitment* until the board forces an answer.
- Solving the daily puzzle feels like play, not a wall. Mistakes drop over time as a side effect, not the goal.

## Constraints
- Learning is the point, not score-chasing. Treat wins/losses as feedback, not grades.
- Short lessons — small working-memory budget. One tangible win each session.

## Out of scope (for now)
- Memorising specific past answers or "today's hints" sites.
- Speed-solving / streak optimisation. We want flexibility, not reflexes.