I can't follow directions

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My grandpa was telling me to make a portable heater warmer by turning the top knob and I insisted on turning the bottom knob because it looked like that would be the appropriate knob. Anyone ever do something like this?

I am terrible at following instructions and I have no idea what you a portable heater is or why its got multiple knobs.

If you are talking about your logic getting in the way - then yes

If someone gives me an instruction and it doesn't make logical sense , I always question it which is an annoying trait I have been told. It can comes across as if you are saying the other person doesn't know what they are on about.

^ same for me.

Very infrequently. If it is just one data point, it usually gets through. However, I often wish instructions were presented in a more logical way. It is not unusual for people to be confused by appearance or habits, though. More than one person has tried to use a Microwave as a TV.
BTW, bolts in aircraft are usually installed with their heads up, so that "looks right." One elderly assembler therefore ignored an instruction to install some head down, assuming an error had been made. Several pilots died.

In some previous jobs, people kept asking me to get something by pointing and emphatically saying "No it's there!".

I am unable to see the implied line going from the tip of their finger to the item I'm supposed to get among several shelved items. I can't believe how often people do this.

I either have to be shown step by step, or I need someone to write the directions down for me.

I dont process verbal instructions well, never have. I gotta see and do along with written instructions to refer to. My ADHD makes it hard to read and process written instructions alone.

I have to read something over and over to understand it. I can't remember all the steps so they must be written down.

If there's two knobs and he just said "turn the knob", that sounds like bad directions.

For me when people give me directions, I ask why too many questions. And I'll insist on taking notes if it's anything remotely complicated.

People say, "there's no such thing as a dumb question", but they don't know me. But then, if I didn't ask so many questions, I wouldn't understand the directions...

I get uptight reading these posts, because I can relate to everything that everyone has said.

^ You're are among good company