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Part 2: First Principles – Solve the Right Problem First

📌 This article is Part 2 of a 5-Part Series on systematic problem-solving.

February 07, 2025

📌 This article is Part 2 of a 5-Part Series on systematic problem-solving. If you haven’t read Part 1, start here → Part 1: Welcome & Overview

“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes defining it and 5 minutes solving it." 

— Albert Einstein

Most people nod their heads at this quote… then immediately jump into solution mode when faced with a problem.

But here's the thing:

The most powerful problem-solving frameworks start by breaking things down to their fundamental truths.

That’s what First Principles Thinking is all about.

And that’s why this series starts here.

Because if you don’t define the right problem first, you can waste time solving the wrong one.

What Is First Principles Thinking?

Most people think in analogy—they solve problems based on how things have been done before.

First Principles Thinking takes a different approach:

Instead of relying on assumptions, we break down problems to their core truths and build solutions from the ground up.

Example: "I need to make more money."

If we break this down using First Principles, we often find:

  • They actually need to keep more of what they make.

  • They need more time freedom, not just more income.

  • They want the security or status that money provides.

See the difference?

Each of these real problems has completely different solutions.

First Principles Thinking ensures you’re solving the right problem — not just the obvious one.

How to Apply First Principles Thinking

Step 1: Identify the Core Problem

Ask yourself:
"What am I REALLY trying to solve here?"

Then take it further:
"But WHY do I want to solve that?"

Keep asking "Why?" until you hit the fundamental truth.

(Hint: The biggest breakthroughs often come at the 3rd or 4th "Why?")

Step 2: Deconstruct the Problem

Break it down into its simplest elements.

  • What assumptions am I making?

  • What if I couldn’t approach this the usual way?

  • What would this look like if it were simple?

Step 3: Rebuild a New Solution

Once you've stripped away assumptions, rebuild from the ground up — without being constrained by "how things are usually done."

Your Action Step

Take a current challenge you’re facing.

  • Step 1: Ask yourself: "What am I REALLY trying to solve?"

  • Step 2: Keep asking "But WHY?" until you hit the real problem.

  • Step 3: Write down the core truth you uncover.

Next in part 3, we’ll build on this by introducing the 80/20 Principle — where you’ll learn to find the leverage points in whatever fundamental truth you discover.

Ready for the next step?

— Steve

📌 Catch Up on Previous Parts: