Why Elon Musk and Steve Jobs NEVER Took Shortcuts
The Secret Science Behind Decision-Making
My nephew, Rian, 10 years old, beat me in a game of chess.
With less than five moves.
(Yes, it was embarrassing.)
He made a move I hadn’t anticipated.
Amazed, I asked him, "Why did you make that move?"
He innocently replied, "Sometimes, I don’t know, Uncle. I just feel it."
That got me thinking.
Decision-making.
It's this enigmatic blend of logic, experience, and that indescribable gut feeling.
It’s what separates legendary business magnates like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs from the rest.
Now, think about it.
Why did Steve Jobs, in a world drowning in buttons, decide the iPhone would have just one?
Why did Musk, against the advice of many, invest his own money to save Tesla from bankruptcy?
No shortcuts. Just deep, psychologically informed decisions.
1. 🧠 The Paradox of Choice
Remember that time at the supermarket, gawking at 27 types of cereals, only to walk out with none?
Too many choices often lead to decision paralysis.
Barry Schwartz, in his groundbreaking book “The Paradox of Choice,” nails it.
More options don't equal better decisions; they equal confusion. Jobs knew this.
Hence, one button.
Limit your options. Focus and simplicity yield clarity.
2. ✨ Anchoring Effect
A while back, I listened to a podcast where the host shared a gem:
"The first number you hear is the one you remember."
It's true.
This is called the anchoring effect.
When negotiating, Musk often sets a ‘bold’ anchor - a high stake or ambitious goal.
It sets the tone, and often, the final outcome gravitates toward it.
Takeaway: Set the bar high. It's a psychological nudge that sways outcomes your way.
3. 💡 The Power of NOW
Ever watched the movie "Dead Poets Society"?
Robin Williams, portraying the character of Mr. Keating, speaks the memorable line, "Carpe Diem. Seize the day, boys."
There's science behind this.
Procrastination kills businesses.
The Zeigarnik Effect, a psychological concept, states that people tend to remember uncompleted tasks more than completed ones.
So, take action. Now.
Start.
Even if it's just a small step.
Your brain will urge you to finish what you began.
4. 🚀 Cognitive Dissonance: The Drive Behind Tesla
Here’s a juicy tidbit for you. In a 2008 interview, Musk admitted to feeling upset investing his own money to save Tesla.
Why do it then?
Cognitive Dissonance.
It's the discomfort felt when our actions contradict our beliefs.
Musk believed in a sustainable future.
His actions had to align.
Takeaway: Align your actions with your core beliefs. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s authentic, and it often pays off.
5. 🔍 Confirmation Bias
Few years year, while debating the merits of a new project with a colleague, I realized we were reading the same data differently.
Why?
Confirmation bias.
We often favor information that confirms our existing beliefs.
It's a trap! Steve Jobs, during the development of the iPod, actively sought feedback - especially negatives - to ensure he wasn’t blinded by this bias.
So, constantly challenge your assumptions.
Surround yourself with people who think differently.
6. 🎯 The Endowment Effect
Remember that old toy in your attic?
You refuse to throw it away, even if you haven’t touched it in years.
It’s because we tend to overvalue things simply because we own them.
In the business world, this can be lethal.
Just because something was successful doesn’t mean it will be.
Jobs wasn’t afraid to cannibalize Apple’s own products for something better.
Takeaway: Be ready to pivot or let go, even if it’s your brainchild.
Remember my nephew, Rian?
What he referred to as a feeling is what I now understand as informed intuition.
Decision-making isn't about shortcuts.
It's about understanding these psychological nuances and applying them judiciously.
So, the next time you find yourself at the crossroads of a decision, big or small, remember the principles.
Dive into the realms of psychology, for therein lie secrets that have crafted empires.
Keep deciding wisely,
Darshak
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