Why the best way to solve problems may be to think backwards

"Thinking forward is an automatic process. Cause, then effect. Input, then output. A to B. It feels logical-and normal to start with a conclusion, then find justification around it.But we can always take our thinking a step further. Sometimes, the best way to get the answers you want is to think backwards. It's called mental inversion. Turn the whole thinking process upside down. As the great algebraist Carl Jacobi said, "Invert, always invert.""

"Put another way, "What would guarantee I fail at X?" is a better question than "How do I achieve X?" Most people focus on the obvious process because the brain doesn't like to think through ugly pitfalls. Starting from B to A helps you avoid the results you don't want. It's one of the most powerful tools I use to think clearly."

Thinking backwards, or mental inversion, reverses the usual cause-then-effect process by starting from the unwanted outcome and asking what would guarantee failure. This approach forces reflection on missing factors, slows automatic mental shortcuts, and breaks default thinking patterns. Framing problems in reverse reduces judgment errors and increases deliberation, supported by cognitive psychology research. Inversion clarifies risks by focusing attention on concrete pitfalls, enabling practical tactics like making not-to-do lists instead of only to-do lists. Regularly removing unhelpful actions and identifying likely mistakes improves clarity, decision quality, and productivity.

Read at Fast Company