This article delves into how to apply this mindset to deconstruct complex problems and build new mindsets that can lead to leaps in product development and careers. From Elon · Starting from Musk's success story, the article elaborates on the importance of questioning tradition and returning to the essence, and proposes a series of concrete methods and examples to encourage us to practice first principles in our daily lives and work to maintain continuous innovation and growth.

It may be difficult to put into practice, but keep thinking!

In this fast-changing era, as a product person, we are often stuck in the trivial and established framework of daily life, and it seems that everything is following the established pattern. However, great change never develops along inertia, but comes from a leap of thinking. Elon · Musk, the trendsetter of the times, has shown us the power to break through the shackles of thinking with his innovation and subversion again and again. And behind all this, it is all due to the weapon of thinking that he admires - first principles.

1. Return to the essence and deconstruct the complex world

At work, we are often annoyed by established "best practices". The path to success of others seems to have become an inviolable golden rule, but as everyone knows, these "shortcuts" often become the shackles of our thinking. Musk's first principles teach us to dare to question and deconstruct complex problems, and return to the most primitive "atomic" thinking.

For product people, this ability to return to the basics is crucial. In the early stages of a product development, you may be faced with many intricate decisions. Your team might discuss various marketing strategies, user growth methods, or technology architecture options. However, if you just follow the trends in the industry or follow the established experience, you may end up in a "boiled frog" situation and gradually lose your competitive edge.

Through first-principles thinking, you'll be able to think outside the box and get straight to the heart of the problem. For example, when evaluating a feature, you can ask yourself: Does the feature really meet the core needs of the user? Or, are we ignoring a more fundamental user pain point? These questions help you focus on what really matters, so you can create a more valuable product.

2. Break the routine and dare to ask "stupid" questions

Musk's innovation journey is fraught with "stupid" questions. Why are rockets so expensive? Why can't electric vehicles become mainstream? These questions may seem simple, even a little naïve, but it is these "stupid" questions that drive him to find solutions.

As a product, we need to have the courage to ask questions that seem out of the ordinary. Why do you have to follow this product route? Why can't this process be redesigned from scratch? These questions may make you feel like a beginner, but it's this beginner mindset that allows you to break free from the inertia of the industry and re-examine the nature of the problem. Perhaps, at a critical juncture in a product iteration, you suddenly realize that design choices that were taken for granted in the past have actually become barriers to innovation. Bravely challenging these "taken for granted" can sometimes open up completely new ideas and refresh the product.

Not only that, but the ability to ask "stupid" questions involves teamwork and communication. Within a product team, members often come from different backgrounds and have their own areas of expertise. When you encourage team members to ask questions that seem out of the ordinary, you not only spark collective creativity, but also uncover potential issues that have been overlooked. This culture will push teams to find new breakthroughs in difficult situations and collaborate more effectively.

3. Construct a new mode of thinking to meet unknown challenges

First Principles is not just questioning and deconstructing, it is the building block of construction. It requires us to break down the old framework and rebuild a new system using the most basic "building blocks". It's like building a brand new city on a piece of ruin, or drawing a whole new world on a whiteboard.

For product people, this means that in the face of market, user needs or technical constraints, we must dare to abandon the existing successful experience and build a new product mindset from scratch. You have to ask yourself: how would I design this product without any existing constraints? This kind of hypothetical thinking is not just a brainstorming session, but a practice. For example, when you're asked to improve user retention, you might immediately think of traditional ways to increase user incentives or improve the user experience. However, first principles will make you think deeply: Why do users churn? Does this churn have something to do with the underlying design philosophy of the product? You may find that the real solution lies in the core functionality of the product, rather than in the superficial user incentives.

In addition, first-principles thinking is also instructive when faced with technical limitations. Many of today's technological limitations are often considered insurmountable obstacles, but with first principles, we can revisit them at a more fundamental level. For example, when you're faced with the choice of a technology platform, the conventional wisdom might tell you to choose the one with the highest market share. First principles, however, allow you to look at the fundamentals of the technology to see if there is a lighter, more flexible solution that can meet the needs and avoid the high cost and complexity of those mainstream products in the market.

Fourth, cultivate the habit of first-class thinking, so that innovation becomes the norm

Musk's success is no accident, it comes from his day-to-day practice of first principles. As product people, we need to internalize this mindset as part of our daily work. Whether you're facing a big decision or a day-to-day grind, keep reminding yourself: Is this the only solution? What is the core issue behind it? By questioning, analyzing, and building, you'll find that once unsolvable problems may be hiding endless opportunities.

To cultivate the habit of first-class thinking, you can start with small things. Whenever you encounter a decision in a project, stop and ask yourself: What assumptions is this based on? Do these assumptions need to be revisited? This approach not only helps you stay flexible in your thinking, but also keeps you at the forefront of innovation. And as teams get used to this way of thinking, you'll find that innovation is no longer a flash of the moment, but a daily routine.

5. From First Principles to Personal Development: A Revolution in Thinking

First principles is not just a working method, it is an attitude to life. We can also learn from this mindset in our personal development. Don't limit yourself to the challenges in front of you when you face a bottleneck in your career, try to deconstruct your career path and return to the "atomic" level of career development: What are your core skills? What are your values? What are your long-term goals? In this way, you can redefine your career trajectory and find the direction that works best for you.

Further, first principles can also help us cope with the transformations and changes in our careers. When you find yourself falling into burnout or losing your passion for your current role, try to start from the basics and re-examine the relationship between your interests, abilities, and market needs. Perhaps, you will discover potential that was previously overlooked and find a new career path.

In this complex world, we are often overwhelmed by the massive amount of information and experience, and lose the courage and ability to explore the unknown. Musk's first principles are the antidote to this dilemma. It teaches us to remain calm in the midst of the hustle and bustle and to seek truth in the fog. In our careers, may we all be like Musk, with the courage to break the routine and build a new world, so as to go further and further on the road of innovation.

The title image is from Unsplash and is licensed under CC0