🙃 Using the opposite to problem solve

I was recently reminded of a maths hack to work out tricky percentages, and it subsequently reminded me of a broader truth. It is often easier to flip the problem.

The maths hack: rather than trying to figure out 18% of 50, you can just do 50% of 18 (9 is the answer in both cases). Due to the commutative property of multiplication, you can flip percentages to make them easier to solve mentally.

Equally, you can use this trick in your life and business when you feel overwhelmed or confused.

You don't need to know what you want to do, you only need to know what you don't want to do.

Trying to figure out what you want to do is like trying to find a single needle in a haystack. There is often only one correct answer, and it can be difficult to find.

Figuring out what you don’t want to do is like knowing that you should avoid all haystacks. There are many correct answers. It is much easier to see what you should do.

Flipping the problem to focus on the inverse, what you don’t want, will help you get unstuck. You will start to see many options to move forward, and can then use that newfound momentum to work towards what you do want.

If you know what you're avoiding, it is often easier to find the path towards what you want.

Spend time finding the needle in the haystack, or pick the simpler path of avoiding haystacks. Use the opposite of a problem to help get unstuck and build momentum.

I shared this in my Work Smart Wednesday newsletter. Want the full set of related insights? You can read them here: https://worksmartwednesday.substack.com/p/work-smart-wednesday-november-20

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