Easily Solve Problems More Thoroughly by Thinking In Reverse

Happy Sunday, !

If you’re reading this, I hope you’re starting your weekend with a clear mind and a cup of your favorite beverage. Today, I want to share a problem-solving approach inspired by the brilliant Charlie Munger. It’s simple yet transformative: sometimes, the best way forward is by thinking backward.

But before we get into the newsletter, here are some treats for you…

• In this week’s Pay or Quit Podcast, co-host Tony Cline and I started a two-part series in which we interviewed each other. Tony discusses an illness that took him to his knees, how he overcame it, and how it strengthened him as a leader. Listen here or click the thumbnail below!

• If you’re a big fan of learning on YouTube, like I am, check out my channel @ShawnAustinJohnson 

The Power of Inverse Thinking
Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s business partner and a legendary investor, often said, “All I want to know is where I’m going to die, so I’ll never go there.” This humorous yet profound observation captures the essence of inverse thinking: to achieve success, start by identifying what leads to failure—and avoid it at all costs.

Instead of asking, “How can I succeed?” ask, “What would guarantee failure?” This reversal of perspective often reveals blind spots, gaps, or assumptions that typical thinking overlooks.

Inverse Thinking in Business and Life
Here’s a relatable example: if you wanted to destroy your marriage, what would you do?

• Be unfaithful.

• Constantly lie and break trust.

• Belittle your spouse to make them feel small.

It’s clear how these actions lead to failure. Now, flip it. To build a thriving marriage, focus on fidelity, honesty, respect, and making your partner feel valued. By first identifying what would lead to failure, you can define actionable steps for success.

Applying Inverse Thinking to Your Business
Let’s shift gears to business, specifically customer experience. Ask yourself: “If I wanted to create the worst customer experience, what would I do?”

Here are some answers:

• Ignore customer complaints.

• Overpromise and underdeliver.

• Make it difficult for customers to get help.

• Treat customers as numbers rather than people.

Once you’ve outlined the failures, flip them:

1. Prioritize Responsiveness: Respond promptly and empathetically to customer complaints.
   Actionable Tip: Implement a system to address complaints within 24 hours.
   

2. Underpromise, Overdeliver: Set realistic expectations and then exceed them.
   Actionable Tip: Surprise your customers with small, unexpected perks.
   

3. Streamline Support: Make it easy for customers to get the help they need.
   Actionable Tip: Add a live chat feature or a simple FAQ page to your website.
   

4. Build Genuine Relationships: Treat each customer as a valued individual.
   Actionable Tip: Use a CRM to remember customer preferences and follow up personally.

Why Inverse Thinking Works
Traditional thinking often limits us to obvious solutions. Inverse thinking, however, forces us to uncover overlooked challenges and biases. By understanding what could go wrong, we build stronger systems to ensure things go right.

Thinking Bigger, Backward
Next time you face a challenge in your business, pause and think: “What would cause me to fail?” Write down your answers, then reverse them into action steps. As you practice this approach, you’ll gain clarity, avoid common pitfalls, and make smarter decisions.

Call to Action:
Take 10 minutes this week to apply inverse thinking to one area of your business. Whether it’s customer experience, team management, or marketing, identify what failure looks like—and flip it into success.

Here’s to thinking smarter and building better!

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Cheers,

— Shawn

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