“Why are you cheating?” My teacher’s voice still echoes in my mind — a sharp reprimand that struck at the heart of my youthful curiosity. Why? I got caught looking up answers at the back of the textbook before even trying to solve the test problems infront of me.

As a kid, I don’t know if I really thought of it as ‘cheating’ yet; I just needed to see the answer before I could start the problem. Because at school, they don’t always explain to you why you should learn what they’re teaching. You just should. I wanted the whole picture, the big idea, the vision — but there was none. Today, I realize this isn’t just a quirk of how I learn; it’s become the way I build, create, and achieve.

Fast forward to now, I’ve come to embrace what once got me into trouble. This type of ‘cheating’ — distinct from the type of cheating you find in relationships or other nefarious intents — is actually the bedrock of innovation. It’s a method employed by the world’s top entrepreneurs and even the greatest theoretical physicists. They begin with a vision, an end result so clear in their minds that they can almost touch it. From that vision, they work backward, reverse-engineering the steps needed to turn a concept into a reality.

This is how I’ve navigated my entrepreneurial journey — starting with a vivid picture of what I want to achieve and then using that as my North Star.

The Visionary’s Method

Let’s break this down. In economics, we study the delicate dance of markets, the invisible hand that guides the flow of resources, and the consequences of human behavior on a grand scale. In physics, we explore the fundamental forces of nature, seeking to understand the universe from the quantum level to the cosmic. At first glance, these fields may seem worlds apart, but they share a common thread: both are grounded in theory, in vision, in models that predict and guide.

When I sit down to build something — a new tool, a business, or even a strategy — I’m not starting from scratch. I’m starting from the future, from a place where I’ve already solved the problem. This isn’t just about positive thinking or visualization; it’s about deeply understanding the destination and then figuring out the journey.

Think about it: Theoretical physicists don’t stumble upon their equations by accident. They envision a universe governed by rules and principles, and then they use the language of mathematics to describe that vision. Entrepreneurs do something strikingly similar. We see an opportunity, a gap in the market, or a problem that needs solving. We envision a solution so clearly that it feels real before it even exists. From there, we build — step by step, piece by piece — until the vision is no longer just in our minds but a tangible reality.

Why Economics & Physics Were My Favorite Classes

It’s no surprise that some of my favorite classes were economics and physics. These disciplines fed my need to see the big picture, to understand systems and predict outcomes. In economics, I learned how to model markets and anticipate shifts. In physics, I explored the fundamentals of the universe, grappling with concepts that were both abstract and intensely logical. Both fields taught me to think critically and creatively, to start with a hypothesis and then find the evidence to support it.

This is the same approach I take in entrepreneurship. I start with the end in mind — with a vision of what success looks like. I then use my knowledge, tools, and instincts to work backward, crafting the path that will lead me to that outcome. It’s not about guessing; it’s about understanding the destination so clearly that the journey becomes almost inevitable.

The Power of the Vision-First Approach

So, here’s the paradox: The very thing that got me in trouble as a kid — wanting to see the answer before starting the problem — is the secret to my success as an entrepreneur. It’s not cheating; it’s strategic. It’s not cutting corners; it’s seeing around them.

Entrepreneurs, like theoretical physicists, are visionaries. We start with an end result that we believe in, that we can practically see, hear, and touch in our minds. This vision drives us, guides us, and gives us the courage to navigate the uncertainties and challenges along the way. And when we finally arrive, we’re not surprised — we’ve been there all along, at least in our minds.

The next time someone tells you that you’re cheating by looking for the answer first, smile and thank them. They’re not recognizing that you’re not just solving problems; you’re creating solutions. And in a world that rewards vision and innovation, that’s not just okay — it’s essential.

End with the Beginning in Mind

The journey of creation, whether in science, business, or life, starts with a vision. It’s this vision that fuels the steps, the persistence, and the breakthroughs that follow. So don’t be afraid to start with the answer. Embrace your vision, hold it tightly, and let it guide you through the unknown. In the end, it’s not about cheating; it’s about seeing clearly, thinking strategically, and building the future, one inspired step at a time.