The Algorithm : Musk's Mental Framework

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A Decision Tree


Today’s post is inspired by Elon Musk, the captivating biography by Walter Isaacson. At 688 pages, it’s a deep dive into the mind and methods of one of the most transformative figures of our time.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve spent my early mornings absorbing Musk’s journey—and it’s left me contemplating the driving force behind his success. 

What is the “algorithm” that powers his extraordinary ventures?

Though his leadership style is unconventional, it’s undeniably effective. Musk has co-founded revolutionary companies like PayPal, SpaceX, and Tesla, each of which has disrupted its industry and pushed boundaries. 

But what makes him tick? What’s the underlying formula behind his ability to juggle ambitious goals, relentless innovation, and transformative leadership?

The Algorithm: Musk's Mental Framework

As detailed in Isaacson’s biography, Musk often speaks of a personal algorithm—a mental framework that guides his decision-making process. 

The algorithm consists of five key steps that Musk uses to solve problems and drive innovation. Here’s how it breaks down:

Step 1: Question Every Requirement

Musk asked why rockets couldn’t be reused, just like airplanes. This fundamental question led to the development of Falcon 9, the first reusable rocket, significantly reducing the cost of launching payloads into space.


Step 2: Delete Processes or Parts

In building rockets, SpaceX streamlined the manufacturing process by integrating vertically. Rather than outsourcing various components, Elon decided that most of the rocket should be built in-house, reducing costs and eliminating unnecessary steps in the supply chain.


Step 3: Optimize What’s Left





The continuous refinement from Raptor 1 to Raptor 3 focused on increasing performance, reliability, and ease of production, ultimately making the engines more efficient and cost-effective.

Step 4: Accelerate Cycle Time

SpaceX is known for its rapid development and testing cycle. The Starship program is a clear example: SpaceX has built and tested multiple prototypes of the massive spacecraft in quick succession, often learning from failures.

Step 5: Automate Processes

Only after optimizing and simplifying does Musk focus on automation. This ensures that inefficient processes aren’t just automated, but that the automation applies to a well-tuned system. Launch processes, like rocket landing and recovery, are largely automated, allowing for precise and repeatable operations.


Elon Musk’s algorithm—questioning assumptions, simplifying processes, optimizing what remains, accelerating cycles, and automating—serves as a powerful framework for innovation. Across SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company, this approach has enabled him to disrupt industries, defy expectations, and achieve goals many thought impossible.

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