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  1. Cognitive Toolkit
  2. Problem Solving

Inversion Thinking

Reverse your thinking to move forward

Last updated 7 months ago

Inversion thinking is a powerful problem-solving technique that involves looking at a problem from the opposite perspective. Instead of focusing on how to achieve a desired outcome, it focuses on how to avoid a negative outcome. By identifying potential pitfalls and obstacles, we can take proactive steps to prevent them from happening.

For example, instead of asking "How can I become more productive?", we could ask "What is preventing me from being productive?". This shift in perspective can reveal hidden obstacles that we may not have considered otherwise.

Inversion thinking is a valuable tool for decision-making, problem-solving, and personal growth. It can help us to identify blind spots, avoid mistakes, and achieve our goals more effectively.

Further Reading

Inversionamrancz
Inversion and The Power of Avoiding StupidityFarnam Street
Inversion: The Crucial Thinking Skill Nobody Ever Taught YouJames Clear
Mental Models & Product #7: InversionMental Models & Product
Inversion Thinking: What It Is and How It Can Create Superior Decision OutcomesLinkedInEditors
Inversionhttps://modelthinkers.com/mental-model/inversion&type=share
Don’t Try to Win: Using Inversion to Flip the Script on Your Trickiest ProblemsMedium
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James Clear
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5 Mental Models That Will Take Your Leadership from Good to GreatThe Good Boss
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