The BIGGEST Mistake You're Making When Solving Any Problem

It means looking backward to solve problems. Instead of starting from the beginning, start from the end.

Example:

• Imagine bacteria doubling every day. If a lake is full after 60 days, when was it half-full? Many will say day 30, but the answer is actually day 59. If you think backward, it’s much easier!
• If you’re planning a trip, start with your return date. What do you need to do before that? Book your accommodations first, then plan your activities around that. This way, you’ll have a clearer vision of your itinerary.

Break down the problem into smaller parts. If you’re studying for an exam, instead of cramming everything, focus on one topic at a time.

Example:

• Study one set of deepstash a day instead of all at once.
• If you’re preparing for a big test, break your study material into sections. Instead of saying, “I need to study all of biology,” tell yourself, “Today, I’ll focus on cell structure.” This makes the task feel less overwhelming.

Identify similarities in problems you’ve solved before.

Example:

• If you’ve struggled with math problems, recognize the common types of questions to improve.
• When writing an essay, notice the common structure in essays that scored high marks. Use this pattern—introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion—to guide your writing. Recognizing these successful formats can help you improve your work.

Freeze a moment in the problem and visualize the next step.

Example:

• If you’re facing a tough decision, list pros and cons to see your options clearly.
• If you're deciding whether to join a sports team, think about the end goal first: Do you want to be healthier or make new friends? From there, consider what steps you need to take, like trying out for the team or attending a few practices.

Retrograde analysis can be used in various situations, from planning your career to making everyday decisions.

Example:

• When choosing a college, start with what you want to achieve after graduation, and work backward to select the right path.
• If you’re struggling to communicate with a friend, think back to times when you both connected well. What worked back then? Use those successful moments as a foundation to improve your current communication.

By reversing your approach, you can find solutions more easily and avoid common mistakes. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about learning to see things differently.

Start applying this mindset today, and comment how your problem-solving skills improve after a month!