First Principles Thinking —Toolkit

 


 Clarify the Real Problem

“A problem well-stated is a problem half-solved.”

Think:
Write one laser-specific statement of what you want to solve, change, or create. Include target metrics, time frame, and constraints.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________


2️⃣ Surface Every Assumption

List everything you believe about this problem — the “shoulds,” “have-tos,” and “can’ts.” Don’t filter; get it all out.

# Assumption Evidence for? Evidence against? Keep / Question / Trash
1
2
3
4
5


3️⃣ Dig Down to First Principles

For each assumption you decide to question, ask “Why?” until you reach a fact that cannot be reduced further (physics, math, logic, or indisputable data).

Chain of Whys Fundamental Truth Reached

Quick check:

  • Does this truth depend on trends or opinions? ✗

  • Is it universally valid? ✓


4️⃣ Rebuild From Scratch

Using only the fundamental truths you just uncovered, sketch three fresh solutions. Don’t censor; think like an inventor.

Solution Draft How it leverages the truths Feasibility (1-5) Excitement (1-5)
Idea A
Idea B
Idea C

Circle the idea with the best Feasibility × Excitement score.


5️⃣ Stress-Test the New Idea

Choose one or try them all:

  1. Inversion: “What would guarantee this fails?” → Plan to avoid it.

  2. Socratic Drill:

    • Why do I believe this will work?

    • What could I be missing?

    • What data would prove me wrong?

  3. Reframe: Look from the opposite angle (customer, critic, future-you).

Key weaknesses & safeguards:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________


6️⃣ 90-Day Execution Snapshot

Define one meaningful metric, one daily habit, and one weekly review ritual.

Metric to Track Daily Keystone Action Weekly Review Questions

  		       1. What worked?


      2. What didn’t?


      3. Next experiment?


7️⃣ Reflection & Emotional Check-In

Innovation without self-awareness leads to burnout.

  • How did this process feel?

    ____________________________________________________________

  • What resistance showed up? (fear, doubt, overwhelm)

    ____________________________________________________________

  • Self-compassion note to self:

    ____________________________________________________________


🛠 Mini-Tool Quick Cards (Cut & keep on your desk)

Tool One-Sentence Reminder
5 Whys “Keep digging until you hit bedrock.”
Socratic Questioning “Interrogate thoughts like a cross-examiner.”
Inversion “Map failure first, design backward.”
Reframe “Flip the lens — opposite, customer, critic.”


📌 How to Use This Worksheet

  1. One sheet = one challenge. Don’t cram multiple problems together.

  2. Write by hand if possible. Slows thinking and reveals hidden beliefs.

  3. Revisit weekly. Update assumptions and truths as new data arrives.

  4. Pair with accountability. Share your rebuilt plan with a mentor or peer.

 


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