Inversion
Solve problems by thinking backward from the desired outcome.
Explanation
Warren Buffett's business partner Charlie Munger loves this approach: instead of asking 'How can I succeed?' ask 'How can I guarantee failure?' then avoid doing those things. It's often easier to avoid obvious mistakes than to figure out the perfect strategy. Sometimes not being stupid is enough to look smart.
Real-World Example
Want a great marriage? List what destroys marriages: contempt, stonewalling, no communication, financial secrets. Don't do those. Want users to love your product? List what makes users rage-quit: slow loading, confusing UI, lost data, expensive pricing. Eliminate those first. Amazon works backwards from press releases: Write the launch announcement first, then build the product that deserves it.
How to Apply
Two approaches: 1) Negative: 'How could I guarantee failure?' List everything, then avoid those. 2) Positive: 'Assume wild success—what had to happen?' List prerequisites, then ensure each. For any goal, spend equal time on: What to do (forward) and What not to do (inversion). Often, not being stupid is enough to look smart.