MENTAL MODELS
A mental model can be explained as a way of thinking or conceptual framework that we use to make sense of the world around us. Mental models are simplified representations of complex systems or situations that allow us to understand and interact with the world more effectively. Mental models can be conscious or unconscious, they can be used to make better decisions, solve problems, and predict outcomes, and are used by almost every human being. The question is how relevant is our mental model? Mental models can also be limiting if they are too simplistic or inaccurate, and can lead us to overlook important factors or make incorrect assumptions. Therefore, it’s important to regularly examine and update our mental models in order to ensure they accurately reflect the world around us.
My first and foremost aim in compiling this list of mental models is form a basic outline of the foundational mental models in my life. Secondly, I hope this might come handy to those who are starting out on this journey of self discovery and self improvement and these models might help them in some small way.
Parkinson's Law
Hedgehog Concept
Find the one thing you’re better than anyone else, then do that.
First Principles Thinking
The Pareto Principle
Keystone Habits
The Flywheel Concept
Models Thinking
Bias for Action
The Pygmalion Effect
The Contrarian Approach
Optimal Stress
Murphy's Law
Second Order Thinking
Thinking beyond the obvious.
Occams Razor
Among competing explanations, choose the one with the least number of assumptions.
Leverage
Achieving more with less.
Expected Value Thinking
Magnitude of correctness matters more than its frequency.
Probabilistic Thinking
Understanding and tackling uncertainty in decision making.
Higher Level Thinking
To achieve the highest ROI, Optimize for the system, not the cog in the machine.
Redundancy and Margin of Safety
Deploying fail safe redundancies in every day life can mean the difference between life and death.
Opportunity Cost
Weigh the next best option that you are foregoing before deciding on a course of action.
Preferential Linking
More connected you are, the faster you grow.
