There is a famous experiment involving a pike (a predatory fish) in a tank. Scientists put the pike in a tank with minnows (food), but separated them by a clear glass wall. The pike smashed into the glass again and again. Eventually, it gave up. Then, the scientists removed the glass. The pike starved to death while surrounded by food. It had created an Invisible Wall in its mind.
The Architecture of a Problem
Every problem you face has two components:
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The Physics: The actual constraints (Gravity, Math, Time).
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The Glass: The assumed constraints (“We must do it this way because we always have”).
90% of your frustration comes from trying to break the Physics, when you should be removing the Glass.
The Protocol: The Assumption Audit
When you are stuck, stop solving. Start auditing. List every “Fact” about the problem. Then, subject each Fact to the “says Who?” test.
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Fact: “We need a $100k budget to launch.”
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Says Who? “Industry standard.”
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Verdict: GLASS. (You can launch for $0 with a waitlist).
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Fact: “We need to hire a senior engineer.”
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Says Who? “The job description.”
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Verdict: GLASS. (You might need a junior with an AI assistant).
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Fact: “We have 24 hours in a day.”
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Says Who? “Physics.”
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Verdict: PHYSICS. (Accept this).
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The “Un-Analysis”
Analysis means “loosening up” (breaking things down). But sometimes you need to Invert. Instead of asking “How do I make the car faster?”, ask “Why does the car need to exist?” Elon Musk didn’t try to make banking faster; he asked why money needed a bank (PayPal).
#DhandheKaFunda: The most dangerous prison is the one you don’t know you are in. Check for the glass.