Part 9/12:
While inversion is a powerful tool, it isn't universally applicable. Problems involving creativity, discovery, or open-ended exploration—like art or scientific research—demand forward thinking and imagining possibilities rather than avoiding failures. Over-reliance on cataloging failure modes may induce paralysis, preventing action altogether. Knowing multiple ways a startup can die might discourage starting it in the first place.
Therefore, it’s essential to differentiate problems suited to inversion, where risks are well-understood and catastrophic, from those requiring innovation beyond mere risk avoidance. Combining both approaches thoughtfully leads to balanced decision-making.