Mental models are tools to get clarity on how things work and helps make good decisions. This two concepts underlie everything you do.For example, how does a rocket engine work (system)? And which type of rocket fuel should you use (decision)?

What Is Mental Model ?

The Eisenhower Matrix helps you make day-to-day decisions: Make a 2x2 grid with its axes labeled "Important" and "Urgent." Categorizse your daily tasks into the four quadrants and prioritize them in this order: important and urgent, important but non-urgent, unimportant but urgent, and unimportant and non-urgent.

 Immediate: Eisenhower Matrix

Make long-term life decisions using Regret Minimization: choose whichever option you’ll most regret not having pursued when looking back at the end of your life. This is how you optimize for long-term fulfillment.

Long-term Decision: Regret Minimization

80/20 ruleFor example, 80% of the value you get from socializing comes from the top 20% of your friends. So, preferentially strengthen relationships with those friends and drop many of the rest. Be cognizant of nourishing the friendships that matter.Another example: 80% of your procrastination comes from 20% of your indulgences. So, place those 2-4 top indulgences out of arm’s reach, and you’ll see an outsized gain in weekly output.

Pareto principle

Make short-term decisions using the ICE model: When facing many options needing prioritization, score each on three variables using a scale of 1-10: <ol><li>How much positive Impact the option would have if it succeeded.</li><li>The Confidence you have that this option will succeed if you attempt it.</li><li>How Easy (low resource, low time) it would be to pursue this option.</li></ol>Add the 1-10 scores together then divide by three to get your average. Repeat this exercise for each option you're considering then rank all the options by their ICE scores.

Short-term: ICE

A blog post that makes mental models actionable. How do you rethink your life through the lens of mental models?

Immediate: Eisenhower Matrix

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