WTF is a Mental Model?

How the smartest people in the world solve problems.

I've been studying self-improvement in some form for almost a decade. I've journeyed from being a scared kid with zero idea where he was heading, to a guy who's got his life's foundation hitched to solid bedrock.

During that time, I've not only managed to get myself engaged (Yes, someone agreed to marry me, I’m surprised too), but also lived well below my means, and stayed nearly stress-free for 5 years.

I even managed to run a half marathon in 90 minutes at one point.

I’ve discovered some secret sauce during that time. But, maybe none as good as mental models.

A mental model is a way to understand how stuff works. Since our brains can't remember every tiny detail, we use these models to break down big, complex things into smaller, easy-to-get bits.

Here are 5 of my favourite mental models:

Model #1: Inversion

This is how it works:

• Instead of thinking about what you want, consider what you want to avoid.

• Now, avoid doing that.

• Boom! You're already on a better path.

Don’t think about how to be happy. Think about how to make a happy person miserable.

• Mess with their sleep

• Lock them inside

• Take away their friends

• Make them eat junk

Model #2: Use Terrain Not Maps

Here's the deal:

• Maps are an artificial version of terrain.

• Stop living in the world of theory (maps), test things in real life (terrain).

• It’s one thing to do a gratitude journal. It’s an entirely different thing to walk around a hospital. That will make you truly grateful.

Model #3: First Principles

This is perhaps the most well-known mental model:

• Break down complex problems into basic truths.

• Build up solutions from these truths.

Quick note: Don't just accept things at face value. Ask "why" until you can't ask "why" anymore. Then you'll be thinking in first principles.

Breaking down your life into first principles is a useful exercise. What is really important?

• Optimizing your time?

• Optimizing your energy?

• Optimizing your relationships?

Model #4: Asymmetry

This is where you can find real winners:

Look for situations where the potential gain massively outweighs the risk.

Some examples:

• Sending a cold email

• Asking the cute girl on the bus to grab coffee

• Asking for an upgrade at work or on your next flight

Model #5: Hanlon's Razor

I have to remind myself about this one daily:

“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”

This one is my reminder to give people the benefit of the doubt and avoid jumping to conclusions.

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By using these mental models, you can shortcut your way to better decisions. Saving time, stress, money, and precious brain power!

The Refinery

1. Mental Models: The Best Way to Make Intelligent Decisions (~100 Models Explained)

2. The Psychology of Human Misjudgement - Charlie Munger Full Speech

3. Mental Models 101 - How To Make Better Decisions | George Mack | Modern Wisdom Podcast 069

4. Shane Parrish - Mental Models, Good Decisions & Better Content | Modern Wisdom Podcast 334