When it comes to making decisions, we often find ourselves relying on either frameworks or intuition. Frameworks provide structured, logical approaches—a set of guidelines or rules designed to lead to favorable outcomes. A classic example is the trusty “Pros & Cons” list, helping us weigh options in a clear and methodical way.
On the flip side, intuitive decision-making is guided by instinct and personal experience. It’s less predictable, less structured, but often more creative. And while we’re frequently told to lean on frameworks for safety and consistency, solely sticking to them might mean overlooking unconventional, groundbreaking ideas.
Take a moment to consider the most disruptive innovations in art and technology. They weren’t the result of a carefully outlined framework—they were born out of intuition.
Henry Ford’s iconic quote comes to mind: “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” If Ford had relied solely on frameworks and market research, we might still be figuring out how to breed faster horses instead of driving cars. His intuition led to the creation of the Model T, revolutionizing transportation forever.
I recently watched the movie Air, which beautifully highlights the risk and intuition behind Nike's decision to sign a young Michael Jordan. They neglected conventional wisdom, betting on instinct and belief in a game-changing athlete, and the result was the birth of Air Jordan—a cultural phenomenon.
This theme echoes in the stories of Steve Jobs, Kanye West, Virgil Abloh, and Elon Musk. They didn’t just follow the rulebook—they trusted their instincts, embraced risk, and redefined entire industries.
The lesson here? While frameworks are valuable, especially when you need structure, don’t underestimate the power of intuition. It’s often the missing ingredient in finding innovative, transformative solutions.
This philosophy is one I actively use it in my own practice. Whether I’m designing products, making YouTube videos, or creating art, I’ve learned to lean into my intuition. Over time, I’ve become more confident in trusting my instincts rather than adhering strictly to conventional frameworks or guidelines.
Sometimes, you need to ignore the playbook and trust your gut. After all, the biggest leaps forward happen when you’re willing to take the leap.
- Sal