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HEAT Tagging Cheat Sheet

Work Type Tags

TagWhen to UseTypical Intensity
FeatureNew functionalityx2-x4
BugFixing defectsx3-x6
BlockerStuck, investigatingx5-x10
SupportHelping othersx1-x2
ConfigEnvironment/toolingx1-x3
ResearchExplorationx3-x7

Intensity Scale

ScaleMeaningWhen to Use
x1RoutineTask done 100+ times
x2-x3ModerateNormal feature work
x5-x7HeavyComplex problem-solving
x8-x10High LoadGrinding, stuck, exhausted

Heatmap Colors

IntensityColorMeaning
< 5🟦 BlueLight day
5-15🟩 GreenNormal
15-30🟨 AmberHeavy
30+🟥 RedBurnout risk

Streak Alerts

DaysBadgeAction
2🔥 Streak: 2Monitor
3🔥 Streak: 3Check in
4+🔥 Streak: 4+Intervene

Daily Workflow:

  1. Tag work items (30 sec)
  2. End of day: Review intensity
  3. Friday: Check personal heatmap

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