I used to think this checklist was misguided. My mental model of improving my rationality was something like acquiring lots and lots of impressive and clever tools and then training myself to apply them in context appropriate places. I've come around to a model much more in line with this checklist though. Something like:
1. Noticing behavioral patterns
2. Thinking hard and doing research on the pattern, whether it leads to good or bad outcomes and whether modifying it is cost effective
3. Using habit formation techniques to modify things
4. Reviewing and reflecting on what is and isn't working for things I have modified using the above steps
Old me would have considered this very laborious. You only get to make small changes this way and you aren't guaranteed they work. However, it doesn't take that many real improvements in fundamental counter-productive patterns before the benefits start stacking on top of each other. A few weeks of intense focus on one particular pattern is actually fairly high leverage considering that you can instill habits that will last a lifetime.
1. Noticing behavioral patterns
2. Thinking hard and doing research on the pattern, whether it leads to good or bad outcomes and whether modifying it is cost effective
3. Using habit formation techniques to modify things
4. Reviewing and reflecting on what is and isn't working for things I have modified using the above steps
Old me would have considered this very laborious. You only get to make small changes this way and you aren't guaranteed they work. However, it doesn't take that many real improvements in fundamental counter-productive patterns before the benefits start stacking on top of each other. A few weeks of intense focus on one particular pattern is actually fairly high leverage considering that you can instill habits that will last a lifetime.