How to Solve the Unsolvable

or what I’ve learned from the “Think Like a Rocket Scientist” book by Ozan Varol

the cover is made by the author — Felix Davidenko

In a world full of challenges and uncertainty, thinking like a rocket scientist might seem like a skill reserved for a select few geniuses. However, Ozan Varol’s book “Think Like a Rocket Scientist” challenges this notion, showing how anyone can adopt the mindset and problem-solving techniques of rocket scientists to achieve extraordinary results. Drawing from his experience as a former rocket scientist for NASA, Varol breaks down complex principles into practical strategies that can be applied in everyday life. The book provides a roadmap for navigating ambiguity, overcoming obstacles, and pursuing ambitious goals with creativity and resilience.

This article is not a verbatim retelling of all the chapters of the book but is a subjective overview of the key points that I highlighted in the margins of the book while reading it.

About the author

Ozan Varol is a former rocket scientist, professor, and author known for his unique ability to distill complex concepts into actionable insights. He was born in Istanbul, Turkey, and moved to the United States at 17. Varol earned a degree in astrophysics and worked on NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers project, contributing to missions like Spirit and Opportunity. After leaving rocket science, he pursued a career in law, earning his law degree from the University of Iowa.

Varol later became a professor, teaching at Lewis & Clark Law School, where he focused on creative problem-solving and critical thinking. His book “Think Like a Rocket Scientist” combines lessons from his scientific and academic career, providing readers with tools to think innovatively and achieve ambitious goals. Varol is also a sought-after keynote speaker and writer whose work has appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Fast Company.

How to solve the unsolvable

The main idea of this book is that anyone can adopt the mindset and problem-solving strategies of rocket scientists to tackle complex challenges, navigate uncertainty, and achieve ambitious goals. The book emphasizes breaking down problems into first principles, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, thinking boldly, and using systematic, iterative approaches to innovate and succeed. It teaches that rocket science is less about extraordinary intelligence and more about a way of thinking that combines creativity, simplicity, and perseverance to achieve the seemingly impossible. Here are some key points from this book:

• Flying in the face of uncertainty. Uncertainty is intrinsic to rocket science. The Apollo 11 mission, for example, involved navigating unknowns, yet succeeded through meticulous planning and adaptability. Varol suggests embracing uncertainty as a tool for growth. Key strategies include: 1) Prototyping. Test ideas in small, low-stakes environments; 2) Iterative improvement. Treat failure as feedback, learning from mistakes to refine your approach; 3) Mental models. Build a robust framework to interpret complex problems. This mindset shifts the focus from fearing uncertainty to leveraging it as an opportunity for innovation.
• Reasoning from first principles. The principle of first-principles thinking involves breaking down problems to their most fundamental truths and building solutions from the ground up. Varol highlights examples like Elon Musk’s approach to reducing rocket costs by questioning conventional manufacturing methods. To apply this: 1) Ask “Why” repeatedly. Identify assumptions and challenge their validity; 2) Deconstruct problems. Break them into smaller components to address their essence; 3) Reframe challenges. View obstacles as opportunities for creativity. This approach allows you to uncover unconventional solutions that others might overlook.
• The power of thinking big. Rocket science operates on audacious goals, such as landing humans on the Moon. Varol argues that aiming high fuels innovation and inspires action. However, big thinking requires strategic planning: 1) Set stretch goals. These should be ambitious yet achievable with effort; 2) Visualize success. Envision the end result to align your actions with your objectives; 3) Balance optimism with realism. Anticipate challenges while maintaining confidence. By thinking expansively, you can break free from limiting beliefs and unlock new possibilities.

How does it work in real life

One notable example from this book is Elon Musk’s approach to reducing the cost of space exploration through SpaceX. Traditionally, rockets were treated as disposable — each launch required building an entirely new rocket, which made space exploration prohibitively expensive. Instead of accepting this industry norm, Musk deconstructed the problem to its fundamentals by asking, “What is a rocket made of, and why is it so expensive to produce?”

By breaking the rocket into its raw materials — aluminum, titanium, copper, and carbon fiber — Musk realized the cost of these materials was only a fraction of the price charged by aerospace companies. SpaceX designed rockets in-house, manufacturing components directly and optimizing processes to lower costs. Musk also challenged the assumption that rockets must be single-use and instead developed reusable rockets, drastically reducing the cost of space travel.

This example demonstrates how questioning assumptions, simplifying processes, and thinking boldly — principles from rocket science — can lead to groundbreaking success in an industry where conventional wisdom had gone unchallenged for decades. Today, SpaceX is a leader in commercial spaceflight, making space more accessible than ever.

Three pieces of advice

1. Think in First Principles. Instead of relying on assumptions or conventional wisdom, break down problems to their core components and build solutions from the ground up. When facing a challenge, ask yourself: “What am I assuming here, and is it necessarily true?” For example, if you want to save money, instead of thinking you need a higher income, examine your expenses. Could you achieve the same lifestyle with less? Approach decisions logically by questioning and rethinking fundamental premises.
2. Embrace failure as feedback. Failures aren’t the end of the road but valuable opportunities to learn and refine your approach. If a project at work doesn’t succeed, analyze what went wrong and how you can improve. Conduct a personal “postmortem” by asking: “What worked, what didn’t, and what will I do differently next time?” Shift your mindset to see failure not as defeat but as part of the process toward success.
3. Set moonshot goals. Think big and aim for goals that push you out of your comfort zone. Even if you don’t achieve the exact target, you’ll likely surpass what you would have accomplished with safer goals. Write down one bold goal you want to achieve — something you’ve been hesitant to pursue because it feels “too ambitious”. Break it down into smaller, actionable steps and focus on achieving them one by one. Stay motivated by visualizing the bigger picture and reminding yourself why the goal matters.

Conclusion

So, what I’ve learned from the “Think Like a Rocket Scientist” book is that it demystifies the principles of rocket science, showing how they can be applied by anyone to solve problems, navigate uncertainty, and achieve ambitious goals. By embracing the given principles, we can break free from conventional thinking and unlock our full potential. Varol’s insights remind us that extraordinary achievements aren’t reserved for geniuses — they come from a systematic approach, creativity, and perseverance. Whether you’re striving for personal growth or professional success, the strategies in this book provide a practical framework to think differently, tackle challenges, and achieve what once seemed impossible.

Author — Felix Davidenko

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