First-order retrievability is the idea that your tools should always be in reach. In my case, I’m trying to record a podcast, and publish a blog post every week. Therefore, I ideally I should keep a space (in my home, or in the studio) where all of these tools are out, available and ready to go.
In my experience, if my goal is to record a podcast, but every time I sit down to record I’m missing a wire, or I have to setup a microphone from scratch — I’m much less likely to get the recording done. Or, by the time I do begin recording I’m tired, or pissed off because I spent an extra 15 or 20 minutes searching for a cable. That’s just an example, but you get the idea. First-order retrievability: have your tools available, and don’t have any other tools in the way.
