Success Mantra: When to Play by the Rules and When to Change the Game

Introduction: Why We Crave Prescriptions for Success

In a world that thrives on efficiency and proven methods, it’s tempting to rely on prescriptive formulas for success. Whether it’s a step-by-step guide, a tried-and-true framework, or a checklist that guarantees results, prescriptions offer a sense of security or reduce the risk of failure. But when it comes to tackling new tasks or solving novel problems, relying too heavily on established norms can be a double-edged sword.

As Kapil Sharma’s podcast insightfully suggests, “how-to” guides can provide comfort, but they are often a luxury we cannot afford when striving for true innovation. In fact, thinking inside the box of norms can stifle creativity, limit adaptability, and hinder true innovation. 

History’s Greatest Innovators Didn’t Follow a Playbook

History’s greatest explorers ventured into the unknown without maps to guide them. From Wright brothers redefining flight to Elon Musk revolutionizing space travel, these pioneers forged their own paths, defying conventional wisdom and expanding the boundaries of possibility. 

Thomas Edison is famously quoted as saying, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Such is the determination we need when we are trying to build something totally new.

Why Innovation Requires Thinking Beyond the Rules

New tasks and challenges often involve untouched territory. They demand fresh perspectives, creative solutions, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen obstacles. While past experiences offer a foundation, they don’t account for the unique variables of new endeavors.

Without original thinking, it’s easy to fall into the trap of what Daniel Kahneman calls “System 1 thinking” in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow. 

He describes two modes of thinking in Thinking, Fast and Slow:

• System 1 thinking is fast, intuitive, and automatic, relying on mental shortcuts and established norms—our natural preference for prescriptions.
• System 2 thinking is deliberate, analytical, and effortful, encouraging us to challenge assumptions and explore alternative solutions.

When innovation is needed, System 1 thinking can be limiting, reinforcing outdated methods simply because they’ve worked before. System 2 thinking, by contrast, pushes us to question, adapt, and create something new—the foundation of real breakthroughs.

Staying True to Your Vision: The Key to Unlocking Original Thinking

While thinking beyond prescriptions is crucial for innovation, it’s equally important to stay true to one’s vision. Authenticity is the secret ingredient that enables innovators to create genuinely impactful solutions.

Authenticity allows innovators to tap into their unique perspectives and experiences, leading to novel solutions that might not have been possible within the constraints of established norms.

DeepSeek’s success is a testament to the power of authenticity in innovation. With their vision, they were able to challenge conventional wisdom and develop a novel approach to AI development. 

Open AI’s founder Sam Altman once asserted that building another OpenAI with just $10 million would be impossible. This seemed to set a prescription for AI development: massive resources were the only way.

Redefining Success: How DeepSeek Challenged the AI Playbook

Yet, DeepSeek defied the norm. Instead of following the conventional large-scale, compute-intensive approach, they embraced a reasoning-based model, prioritizing efficiency over brute force. Hardware constraints often limit AI development. With the US putting restrictions on hardware access to China based AI companies, DeepSeek had to resort to unconventional approaches. They optimized performance within existing hardware restrictions rather than relying on ever-expanding computational power. DeepSeek’s success is a testament to the power of breaking away from rigid formulas, thinking beyond prescribed limits, and embracing experimentation—exactly the kind of originality that drives true breakthroughs.

When to Use Prescriptions and When to Break Free

How to Recognize When a Framework is Useful or Limiting

Prescriptions have their own place in life, hence it’s important to adopt a nuanced approach. They play a vital role in creating stability and progress in addition to efficiency and effectiveness. A prime example is the U.S. election system, a structured process refined over two centuries. With fixed election cycles, the electoral college, and voter registration protocols, it ensures political stability and orderly transitions of power.

By following this framework, the U.S. has fostered democratic integrity, economic growth, and civic trust. The system’s predictability prevents instability, allowing society to prosper within a defined structure. Yet, innovation—such as improving voter accessibility or modernizing election technology—keeps it evolving without undermining its core principles.

This balance—preserving structure while adapting to change—illustrates when to follow a prescription and when to refine it for progress.

Conclusion: Rethinking the Default for Real Progress

In conclusion, success lies not in rigidly adhering to prescriptions, but in embracing original thinking and experimentation. As Adam Grant puts it, ‘The hallmark of originality is rejecting the default and exploring whether a better option exists.’ By challenging our assumptions, staying true to our vision, and daring to think differently, we can unlock the power of innovation and achieve true breakthroughs.

Next time you’re faced with a challenge, pause. Think if you are following a path because it works—or because it’s simply the way it’s always been done? Share your thoughts—have you ever defied convention and found success?