⫹⫺ 8 Razors For Creatives

CMMN WLTH 117 - Cheat Codes for Creators, Makers & Doers

Hello my friends,

Philosophical Razors are rules of thumb that can help you solve problems and make decisions.

But they can be applied well beyond philosophy.

Below are 8 Razors I use to overcome cognitive biases and conventional wisdom, two major creativity killers ↓

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1. Occam’s Razor

The simplest explanation or solution is often the correct one.

Pursue simplicity and minimalism. Eliminate unnecessary complexity and focus on providing only what is essential and nothing that is not.

2. Hitchen’s Razor

What can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.

Decisions should be evidence based. Avoid conventional wisdom or assumptions. Use empirical data or consumer testing to validate ideas.

3. Einstein’s Razor

Solutions should be as simple as possible, but not simpler.

Without compromising integrity or effectiveness, reduce the paradox of choice for the consumer. Carefully consider what features and benefits to include.

4. Naval’s Razor

When faced with two paths choose the more difficult or painful option in the short term.

Short term friction leads to longer term momentum.

5. Skeptics Razor

The more a small group of people believe in an idea and a large group are against it, the more successful it will be.

Don’t water down the original version to appease the many. Trust the few and validate with consumer testing.

6. Feynman’s Razor

If you cannot explain the concept in simple terms, you do not understand it.

Pursue a deeper understand of your consumer’s needs. Products should be intuitive and easy to use making them accessible to a wider audience.

7. Early / Late Razor

If you find an insight on Reddit or Twitter you might be early. If it’s a talking point on LinkedIn or Facebook you’re definitely late.

Platform dynamics influence timeliness and relevance. Refine your inputs and know where to source insights.

8. 25+ Razor

If you’re over 25 assume your perception of new technologies and trends is wrong.

If someone under the age of 25 is obsessed with something new, don’t dismiss it until you’ve done 20 hours on it.

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I appreciate every minute of your time and attention,

— Andy