Reverse Thinking

by Flinkliv · Updated Mar. 19, 2023

  1. What is reverse thinking?
  2. Why is reverse thinking important?
  3. What are examples of reverse thinking?


What is reverse thinking?

Reverse thinking is a method of thinking where you state your problem in reverse.


Why is reverse thinking important?

In some cases, it might be very challenging to solve issues. One way to overcome those issues is by changing perspective and asking opposite questions.

What are examples of reverse thinking?

Example of how to get a good job with reverse thinking:

Conversation between A and B about how to get a good job with reverse thinking. A: I don’t know what to study or how to choose the right degree B: Why? A: I want to have a good job B: How about reverse thinking? A: What do you mean? B: Think about a good job you want to have, then look for the education that leads you to it A: Thanks

Example of how to succeed at work using reverse thinking:

Conversation between A and B about how to succeed at work using reverse thinking. A: I don’t know how to succeed at work B: How about reverse thinking? A: What do you mean? B: Well, think about a list of things that ruins your work, then do the opposite A: Oh! A: Late to work. … mediocre work. … not getting along with colleagues … not helping colleagues … negative attitude … not offering a solution … etc. B: Well, do the opposite of this list, and your chances to succeed at work will increase

Example of reverse thinking in the annual performance review:

Conversation between A and B about reverse thinking in the annual performance review. A: Tomorrow I have my yearly performance review B: And? A: I am gathering what I achieved to get my promotion B: Good luck, but for the next time, try reverse thinking A:What do you mean? B: Instead of gathering achievements just before the meeting … Prepare the meeting months before A: How? B: Let's say 10 months before the meeting, make a list of tasks that increases your chances to get a promotion, then work on it. When the time comes, you have 10 months of preparation. Your boss might even notice the progress as well.

Example of reverse thinking in turn crisis to opportunity:

Conversation between A and B about reverse thinking in turn crisis to opportunity. A: Sorry I lost my cool during the meeting (main characters walking out of the room, with just heads visible there is a clock on the hallway). It is cuz of those issues. B: Issues don't create the character; they reveal it. (characters keep walking). A: So, what am I supposed to do? B: Embrace this opportunity to get better. A: Ok. B: Get out of your comfort zone. A: Right. B: Become the best version of yourself (glowing eyes, stoping behind the green one). B: Don't push it (the blue one keep walking head down).

Example of reverse brainstorming

Reverse Brainstorming is a process that harvests our tendency to see problems more than solutions. Ask yourself what could go wrong, then reverse it to get the solution.

Conversation between A and B about reverse brainstorming. A: I am out of ideas B: Use reverse brainstorming B: Think what could go wrong then reverse it B: You never run out of things that can go wrong.