Waves vs. Snags
A fast way to read what’s happening without mind‑reading or pathologising. Waves = *movement inside Flux.* Snags = *resistance that needs lowering.*
WAVES (Healthy Flux)
[bomb]Waves|Natural variation while the agent stays in Flux (tiny attempts, pauses, re‑starts).[/bomb]
- Movement continues (even if small).
- Stillness = regrouping, not shutdown.
- Educator job: lower cost, don’t “fix” the wave.
SNAGS (Cost Spike / Obstacle)
[bomb]Snag|A moment where cost rises faster than the learner can compensate.[/bomb]
- Progress stalls or becomes chaotic.
- Student pulls away, OR clings too tightly to one behaviour.
- Educator job: identify which cost is spiking + neutralise.
1) Cognitive Cost
Task too big / unclear. Move: shrink demand; bounded start; model one micro‑step.
2) Emotional Cost
Overwhelm, shame risk, uncertainty. Move: Repair micro (impact → empathise → boundary → next tiny step).
3) Environmental Cost
Noise, proximity, transitions, timing, sensory friction. Move: adjust environment; reset entry conditions.
Step 1 — Observe
“Is this movement (wave) or blockage (snag)?”
Step 2 — Identify Cost Spike
Which cost (C/E/E) is elevating?
Step 3 — Reduce / Convert
Reduce conflict → convert to constraint → re‑invite.
- “Looks like a snag — let me make this cheaper.”
- “Try this one tiny entry.”
- “Still in it — small wave. Keep going, I’ve got the cost.”
Waves keep Flux alive. Snags need cost‑reduction, not pressure.