Hi ,

[Disclaimer: This advice is deadly. Follow it if you want to fail spectacularly.]

Last week, we focused on optimizing your external environment for better focus and productivity.

And yesterday, I introduced the concept of Inversion Thinking using a surprising role model: Homer Simpson. (read it here)

Now that we’ve talked about setting up your surroundings, let’s shift inward — to the Inner Game of Success.

Because here’s the truth:

It’s not just the clutter on your desk that slows you down.

It’s the clutter in your mind.

Self-sabotage shows up in subtle and sneaky ways — and I’ve personally done most, if not all, of the ones I’ll share with you in this 4-part email series.

Since we’re using inversion as our lens, I started by asking:

“What is the opposite of self-sabotage?”

A bunch of answers came up. But the one that felt most true?

Self-optimization.

Just like you can optimize your space to help you focus, you can optimize how you play the inner game to help you make progress.

And the best way to do that? With the same principle we’ve been using:

Progress over perfection.

A Quick Recap of Inversion Thinking

Inversion thinking, made famous by Charlie Munger, is a way of solving problems backwards.

Instead of asking, “How do I succeed?”

You ask, “How do I screw this up?”

But that’s only Step 1.

Here’s the full process:

1. Ask how to guarantee failure.
2. Make a list of every wrong move and self-defeating habit.
3. Flip the list. Do the opposite.
4. Avoiding these traps becomes your strategy — and you increase your chances of success, even if it’s accidental.

This exact process is what led me to revisit a list I found in a video by Alex Hormozi.

It was so insightful (and painfully true), I knew I had to share the lessons with you too.

7 Foolproof Ways to Guarantee Failure

1- Start tomorrow.

No rush. Take your time. Keep researching, thinking, planning — but never acting. (Pro tip: Repeat daily.)

2- Read all the books… do none of the things.

Be the person who says, “I’ve read 52 books this year!” but still hasn’t done the first uncomfortable thing from Chapter 1.

3- Take advice from broke people on how to succeed.

And while you’re at it, let them criticize your ideas too. Because clearly, they know better.

4- Pick a life-partner who makes you feel guilty for working.

Find someone who doesn’t support your goals, and let them be the reason you give up on them.

5- Fail once. Quit forever.

Tell yourself you’re not “cut out for this.” Let one stumble cancel your potential.

6- Believe the world is fair.

Get mad when things aren’t “how they should be.” Complain instead of adapting.

7- Blame your circumstances.

Your background. Your boss. Your market. Your life-partner. Anyone but you.

Want to Flip the Script?

Here’s what happens when you invert these 7 habits:

Start today — not tomorrow.

Take bold action on what you learn.

Get advice from people who’ve done it.

Choose a life-partner who celebrates your ambition.

Treat failure as feedback, not a finish line.

Assume the world is unfair. Respond and act accordingly.

Own your circumstances like a boss, not a victim.

That’s how you avoid sabotaging your own potential.

That’s how you stop guaranteeing failure.

Inversion thinking isn’t just about clarity.

It’s about control.

You already know what not to do. Now use that knowledge — and do the opposite.

Because if you avoid enough obvious mistakes…

You just might succeed by accident.

More self-sabotage (and how to reverse it) coming in Email 2.

Until then:

Ask yourself, “What’s one failure habit I’m willing to stop doing today?” and let me know your answer.

Relentlessly dedicated to your profitability,

Dr. Kayvon K

Simplifier & Profit Finder

Let's connect: LinkedIn

Meeting: TalkToKayvon.com

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