Imagine a chef asks you to go to the market. They tell you how important it is that you not miss anything; they want everything to taste perfect. They ask you to obtain flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, milk, butter, and eggs. Even if you were a chef yourself, the list alone can’t possibly tell you what they are making.
Once you’ve arrived to the market, should you acquire all-purpose flour? Whole wheat? Bread, pastry, or cake? Should you reach for granulated or confectioners sugar? Table, kosher, or sea salt? Does the type of milk matter? Should the salt be buttered or not? What brands do they prefer? What size packaging?
If you make a list, (1) don’t forget to put everything on it and (2) remember that details and precision matter.
If you receive a list from someone else, remind yourself the list is theirs, not yours. Their list merely makes you a shopper, not a chef …
… unless you are curious enough to start asking questions.