The 6 Simple Steps Elon Musk Uses to Solve Any Problem…

When you’re faced with a problem, don’t skip to an answer right away. Start instead by asking an interesting question, preferably that hasn’t been done before.

For example, when making the Tesla Truck, Musk used something called first principles thinking, which examines the foundations of a thing without making assumptions. This helped him focus on the most important aspects of a good truck — not to just make a better truck than his competitors, but to make the best possible truck he can.

Look at the difference between these two questions:

1. How can I improve on trucks?

2. What are the necessary components of a good truck?

Musk thinks in the latter terms, which allows him to work from a clean slate and make something new.