Mental Models

Better thinking frameworks for better decisions. Discover the models used by world-class thinkers and leaders.

Multiple Perspectives
Decision Making

Six Thinking Hats

Look at a decision from different perspectives using structured parallel thinking.

ED
Created by Edward de Bono
Trusted by
Google IBM
DO DECIDE DELEGATE DELETE Urgent → Important →
Productivity

Eisenhower Matrix

Prioritize your actions and tasks by importance and urgency.

DE
Created by Dwight D. Eisenhower
Trusted by
Tim Ferriss Stephen Covey
1st 2nd 3rd Consequence Chain
Decision Making

Second-Order Thinking

Consider the long-term consequences of your decisions beyond immediate effects.

HM
Popularized by Howard Marks
Trusted by
Ray Dalio Warren Buffett
Events Patterns Structures Mental Models
Systems Thinking

Iceberg Model

Uncover root causes of events by looking at hidden levels of abstractions.

PS
Popularized by Peter Senge
Trusted by
MIT Sloan McKinsey
OODA LOOP Observe → Orient → Decide → Act
Decision Making

OODA Loop

Make faster decisions with incomplete data through rapid iteration.

JB
Created by John Boyd
Trusted by
U.S. Military Startups
Complex Truth Truth Truth Break Down to Fundamentals
Problem Solving

First Principles Thinking

Break down complex problems into basic elements and create innovative solutions.

AR
Created by Aristotle
Trusted by
Elon Musk Steve Jobs
20% 80% Input Output (80/20)
Problem Solving

Pareto Principle

80% of effects come from 20% of causes in most situations.

VP
Created by Vilfredo Pareto
Trusted by
Tim Ferriss Richard Koch
Problem Why? → Why? → Why? → Root Cause ✓
Problem Solving

5 Whys

Get to the root cause by asking 'why' five times iteratively.

TO
Created by Taiichi Ohno
Trusted by
Toyota Lean Teams
Answer Supporting Arguments Evidence & Details Top-Down Communication
Communication

Minto Pyramid Principle

Make your communication more efficient and clear with structured thinking.

BM
Created by Barbara Minto
Trusted by
McKinsey BCG
Success Failure Think Backwards to Move Forward
Problem Solving

Inversion

Approach a problem from a different point of view by thinking backwards.

CJ
Created by Carl Jacobi
Trusted by
Charlie Munger
Core System Relationships
Systems Thinking

Connection Circles

Understand relationships and identify feedback loops within systems.

ST
Origin Systems Thinking
Trusted by
MIT Sloan