Write a lot! Writing will almost always force you to think clearly, notice gaps, and just generally get a better understanding of what you are trying to do.
Write down everything, the problem, all that you are thinking, approaches, everything.
Write down everything, the problem, all that you are thinking, approaches, everything.
I now use a system that's more like diary. Some notes are relevant for single day, others for a week. Anything older than that, I treat mostly as read-only. I'm ok with repeating myself over and over. It sets the context for thinking and decisions, and allows me to modify and correct assumptions over time. At the moment I use Trilium Notes for this, but still exploring other options. I would love something that includes diagrams and mind maps.
Unexpected benefit is that when I work while distracted and unmotivated, writing down each step and outcome allows me to stay on track and slowly make progress. Context switching becomes easier.
It's Write-Only notes - you can only see the previous line at any one time, and editing is intentionally difficult. You write, then at the end you see what you wrote. I've found it really useful (as someone who has the same tendencies you describe.)
(I first found it from a comment on HN.)