91 - The Power Lies in Questioning Our Assumptions
In this 60-second episode, discover how challenging hidden assumptions can unlock smarter, simpler solutions. Learn how to ask the right questions and uncover clarity where complexity once ruled.
The Smartest Question Is Often the Simplest One
We all want to solve problems faster, think clearer, and make better decisions. But most of us start from the wrong place inside a box we don’t even see.
That box is built from assumptions.
In this episode of Pattern Cognition, we explore one of the most powerful tools in the problem-solvers toolkit: questioning what we think we know. The quote that drives the episode is this:
“What do we absolutely know to be true about this problem?”
Assumptions are mental shortcuts. Sometimes, they’re useful. But more often, they’re inherited beliefs, things we pick up from school, culture, or industry norms that go unquestioned for years.
Take the classic example from the early days of space travel. NASA engineers spent millions designing a pen that could write in zero gravity. The Russians used a pencil.
That’s the power of asking: What are we assuming?
1. Assumptions create blind spots.
Many failed strategies aren’t bad ideas. They’re built on unchecked premises.
2. The right question reframes the problem.
Shifting focus from “How do we solve this?” to “What are we assuming?” opens the door to radically different answers.
3. Constraints often aren’t real.
We treat inherited limitations as facts. But they’re often just conventions waiting to be challenged.
4. Simplicity beats complexity.
More effort isn’t always better. The pencil beat the space pen not because it was smarter but because it didn’t assume.
5. Mental clarity creates strategic leverage.
You make faster, bolder decisions when you cut through noise and bias.
This episode is a mindset shift not toward working harder but thinking sharper.
Listen to this episode of Pattern Cognition to learn how to navigate these challenges and invest wisely.
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Smarter Problem Solving
00:04 Challenge Assumptions
00:12 The NASA Pen vs. The Russian Pencil
00:24 Questioning Assumptions for Simpler Solutions
00:43 Self-Reflection on Assumptions
Links:
Website: https://www.sidmofya.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidmofya/
Transcript:
Here are five keys to smarter problem solving number one challenge assumptions and the question to ask here is what do we absolutely know to be true about this problem? We make decisions based on assumptions many of which are just inherited beliefs for example in the early days of space travel NASA spent millions developing a pen that could write with zero gravity the Russians they use the pencil so the assumption was you need a high tech solution to write in space which would make sense but by questioning that assumption we see a simpler answer so next time you hit a wall ask yourself what do we really know for sure? And what am I just assuming?