What is the Real Work?

Over the weekend, a friend asked if I had tried OpenAI's new Astra model, which is apparently much better at coding visual design. His question made me realize that I haven't been looking for better models to use for coding. Claude Sonnet 5 has been sufficient for most of my coding work. (Yes, not even Opus 5.)

I'm currently not limited by how well the AI models can code. My bottleneck is an unclear value proposition for Fernsage. What I need to do is refine Fernsage's core value proposition until my ideal customers get it immediately and want to pay for it (and even tell their friends about it). This will involve some coding to tweak the product and website. But the Real Work is thinking. Thinking about what to focus on in the product. Thinking about how to communicate the core value. Thinking about how to reach potential customers.

Often, we get distracted by shiny objects and neglect the Real Work.

We don't need a better writing app. The Real Work is to write.
We don't need a new pair of running shoes. The Real Work is to run.
We don't need to buy new toys for our kids. The Real Work is to play with them.

Most of the time, we already have what we need to do the Real Work. If you feel like you need X before you can do Y, consider if you are just avoiding the Real Work.