Inversion
Approach problems backward by considering what you want to avoid rather than achieve.
What It Is
Inversion is a thinking tool that involves approaching a problem from the opposite direction. Instead of asking "How do I achieve success?", you ask "What would guarantee failure?" By identifying what you want to avoid, you can work backward to find better solutions and avoid common pitfalls.
Why It Matters
Many problems are easier to solve when inverted. It helps you identify hidden obstacles and risks that forward thinking might miss. Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's partner, credits much of his success to this approach, saying "Invert, always invert." It's particularly useful for risk management and avoiding catastrophic mistakes.
How to Apply It
- 1
State your goal or problem clearly
- 2
Invert it: ask what would guarantee the opposite outcome
- 3
List all the ways you could fail or create the opposite result
- 4
Avoid those failure modes in your strategy
- 5
Use both forward and inverted thinking together for best results
Example
Instead of asking "How do I build a successful startup?", ask "What would guarantee my startup fails?" Answers might include: running out of money, building something nobody wants, hiring the wrong team, ignoring customers. By systematically avoiding these failure modes, you increase your chances of success.