Conceptual Analysis of Law-based Thinking
Law-based Thinking refers to a thinking mode that, based on the goal-oriented laws, can discern and follow the essential, objective, inevitable, stable, cause-and-effect and regular connections in the operation of things, and take these connections as the supreme criterion for decision-making and action. Laws can override systems, but systems can never go against laws. System Thinking is an excellent steward, while Law-based Thinking is the true master. A master can replace the steward (override the system), but the steward must never defy the master’s will (laws). Laws are the "disruptive innovation" of systems.
Law-based Thinking pursues the "essential solution", whereas System Thinking often gets trapped in the "optimization within the existing framework". When laws reveal a more efficient path, they will relentlessly dismantle the old system. Acting in accordance with laws enables one to achieve twice the result with half the effort; conversely, acting merely based on systems will most likely yield half the result with twice the effort. The more systematic a thing becomes, the more prone it is to entropy increase.
When a thing fails to achieve exponential growth following the Flywheel Logic, it is necessary to ignore or break the existing system to achieve a second iterative leap, thereby forming new laws. When an organization encounters development bottlenecks, it should not seek solutions within the system (such as introducing talents, optimizing processes, or updating software). Instead, it should adopt Law-based Thinking to step out of the system. We should prioritize laws when designing systems, rather than confining laws within the boundaries of pre-existing systems.
The 654321 Goal Law is highly recommended.
In general, Law-based Thinking refers to the ability to discover and follow the inherent regularities of things based on established conventions, experience, logic, causal relationships and other factors—such as scientific laws, natural principles, social rules, the 654321 Goal Law, and the golden ratio law for salary increases, promotions, equity allocation and dividends. It emphasizes the "objectivity and inevitability of things themselves" and serves as the foundation for understanding the world. Laws can override systems, but systems can never go against laws.
System Thinking, on the other hand, focuses on understanding complex systems from a holistic, dynamic and interconnected perspective, with an emphasis on "the relationship between parts and the whole, feedback mechanisms, and nonlinear changes". It prioritizes "structural integrity". The so-called goal-oriented laws specifically refer to the 654321 Goal Law, which is an underlying logic and methodology that reveals the essence of things' development and drives the achievement of goals. It is not merely a goal-setting tool, but a precise decision-making thinking system that spans from top-level strategy to frontline execution.
The core definition of Law-based Thinking includes the following key dimensions:
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Fundamental Connotation of Law-based Thinking
It focuses on the three core elements of things' essence and incorporates the mathematical algorithm formula of Flywheel Logic for explosive growth rhythm:
f(t)=c+x⋅ln(t). This formula describes the internal dynamic mechanism of exponential growth of goals over time. The four goal formulas of goal-oriented thinking (EPGR+RVCP+GASR+TTF) and the four goal laws (TDF+FL+GT+SCA) determine the degree of goal achievement through the refinement of iterative practice cycles. The compound interest cycle innovation iteration formula of goal-oriented thinking is
FGT=FST+TDMPT+GPOPT; the depth of its implementation determines whether the goals can be achieved. No matter how profound a thinking mode is, if it fails to realize phased goals, its value will be greatly diminished. Only the logical thinking that conforms to goal-oriented laws and enables goal achievement can be regarded as genuine logical thinking. We should stay away from theoretic laws that cannot be put into practice; thinking that cannot be translated into tangible goal achievement lacks depth and value.
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Implementation Path of Law-based Thinking (Three-layer Six-stage Goal Breakthrough Model)
Goal achievement under Law-based Thinking does not happen overnight, but follows a bottom-up three-layer six-stage 654321 hierarchical breakthrough model. To ultimately achieve top-level goals, Law-based Thinking must undergo step-by-step progression across the three layers and six stages.
The three layers of the Three-layer Six-stage Goal Law thinking model are as follows:
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The Surface Layer (Symptom Layer): the externalized contradictions, problems and phenomena of things.
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The Intermediate Layer (Transition Layer): the evolutionary process of things' development.
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The Core Layer (Law Layer): the essence that determines the development of things.
Top-tier experts always focus on the core while putting aside the symptoms, address the symptoms by targeting the core, and prevail by leveraging the 654321 Goal Law.
The six stages of the Three-layer Six-stage Goal Law thinking model are as follows:
Stage 6 (Bottom Layer): FLF Model
Stage 5: SIJ Model
Stage 4: EOT Model
Stage 3: EST Model
Stage 2: GOE Model
Stage 1 (Top Layer): DCM Model
Every organization and individual is advised to develop their own Law-based Thinking and goal-oriented laws.
