Musk Algorithm

Overview

5-step order-dependent method for building lean instead of over-built. Apply in this exact order, every time:

1. Question requirements — push each stated requirement to the point of absurdity; question who imposed it, not just what it says. Cut what doesn't survive.
2. Delete parts/steps — if you can remove it and later regret less than 10% of the time, it wasn't needed. Delete before optimizing.
3. Simplify/optimize — only after 1 and 2. Simplifying something that should have been deleted is wasted effort.
4. Accelerate cycle time — speed up whatever survived steps 1–3.
5. Automate — last, never first. Automating a step that shouldn't exist just does the wrong thing efficiently.

Order is the point. Content without the order isn't the algorithm.

When to use