- When faced with a problem you don’t understand, do any part of it you do understand, then look at it again.
Heinlein, of course: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
Yes, this algorithm can stall you at a local maximum, but that’s better than remaining stuck in the starting gate while you’re thinking too much.
In less high-falutin’ terms: Don’t just sit there, do something!
The Smell of Molten Projects in the Morning 