A mental model is a general idea that can be used to explain many different phenomena. Supply and demand in economics, natural selection in biology, recursion in computer science, or proof by induction in mathematics — these models are everywhere once you know to look for them.

10 Mental Models For Learning Anything

Unfortunately, learning is rarely taught as a class on its own — meaning most of these mental models are known only to specialists. In this essay, I’d like to share the ten that have influenced me the most, along with references to dig deeper in case you’d like to know more.

Herbert Simon and Allen Newell launched the study of problem solving with their landmark book, Human Problem Solving. In it, they argued that people solve problems by searching through a problem space.A problem space is like a maze: you know where you are now, you’d know if you’ve reached the exit, but you don’t know how to get there. One implication of this model is that, without prior knowledge, most problems are really difficult to solve. Learning is the process of acquiring patterns and methods to cut down on brute-force searching.

1. Problem solving is search.

Retrieving knowledge strengthens memory more than seeing something for a second time does. Testing knowledge isn’t just a way of measuring what you know — it actively improves your memory. In fact, testing is one of the best study techniques researchers have discovered. Retrieval only works if there is something to retrieve. This is why we need books, teachers and classes. When memory fails, we fall back on problem-solving search which, depending on the size of the problem space, may fail utterly to give us a correct answer.

2. Memory strengthens by retrieval.

How much you’re able to learn depends on what you already know. Research finds that the amount of knowledge retained from a text depends on prior knowledge of the topic. This effect can even outweigh general intelligence in some situations. This process has limits, of course, or knowledge would accelerate indefinitely. Still, it’s good to keep in mind because the early phases of learning are often the hardest and can give a misleading impression of future difficulty within a field.

3. Knowledge grows exponentially.

Few subjects are so misunderstood as creativity. We tend to imbue creative individuals with a near-magical aura, but creativity is much more mundane in practice. Even in fine art, the importance of copying has been neglected. Yes, many revolutions in art were explicit rejections of past trends. But the revolutionaries themselves were, almost without exception, steeped in the tradition they rebelled against. Rebelling against any convention requires awareness of that convention.

4. Creativity is mostly copying.

Transfer refers to enhanced abilities in one task after practice or training in a different task. In research on transfer, a typical pattern shows up: Practice at a task makes you better at it.Practice at a task helps with similar tasks (usually ones that overlap in procedures or knowledge).Practice at one task helps little with unrelated tasks, even if they seem to require the same broad abilities like “memory,” “critical thinking” or “intelligence.”

5. Skills are specific.

Since the 1980s, cognitive load theory has been used to explain how interventions optimize (or limit) learning based on our limited mental bandwidth. This research finds: Problem solving may be counterproductive for beginners. Novices do better when shown worked examples (solutions) instead.Materials should be designed to avoid needing to flip between pages or parts of a diagram to understand the material.Redundant information impedes learning.Complex ideas can be learned more easily when presented first in parts.

6. Mental bandwidth is extremely limited.

A good rule is to aim for a roughly 85% success rate when learning. You can do this by calibrating the difficulty of your practice (open vs. closed book, with vs. without a tutor, simple vs. complex problems) or by seeking extra training and assistance when falling below this threshold. If you succeed above this threshold, you’re probably not seeking hard enough problems — and are practicing routines instead of learning new skills.

7. Success is the best teacher.

How people can think logically is an age-old puzzle. Since Kant, we’ve known that logic can’t be acquired from experience. Somehow, we must already know the rules of logic, or an illogical mind could never have invented them. In 1983, Philip Johnson-Laird proposed a solution: we reason by constructing a mental model of the situation.To test a syllogism like “All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal,” we imagine a collection of men, all of whom are mortal, and imagine that Socrates is one of them. We deduce the syllogism is true through this examination.

8. We reason through examples.

Skills become increasingly automated through practice. This reduces our conscious awareness of the skill, making it require less of our precious working memory capacity to perform. Think of driving a car: at first, using the blinkers and the brakes was painfully deliberate. After years of driving, you barely think about it.

9. Knowledge becomes invisible with experience.

Forgetting is the unavoidable fate of any skill we don’t use regularly. Hermann Ebbinghaus found that knowledge tapers off at an exponential rate — most quickly at the beginning, slowing down as time elapses.Relearning is a nuisance, especially since struggling with previously easy problems can be discouraging. Yet it’s no reason not to learn deeply and broadly — even forgotten knowledge can be revived much faster than starting from scratch.

10. Relearning is relatively fast.

mindfulness

Mindfulness

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

mentalhealth

Mental Health

problemsolving

Problem Solving

cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.

At 97 years old, Sir David Attenborough is still narrating nature series and documentaries. For decades he has been helping to educate the world about the animals and places that most of us will never see, but that we should all be working harder to protect.

2,826 likes, 12 comments - Big Think (@bigthinkers) on Instagram: "At 97 years old, Sir David Attenborough is still narrating #nature series and #documentaries. For..."

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

philosophy

Philosophy

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

communication

Communication

“No One Will Protect What They Don’t Care About.”

Recognize that discipline is a journey, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Instead of aiming for perfection, celebrate the progress your child makes in managing their behavior and emotions. Encourage their efforts and provide support as they learn and grow.

Focus on progress, not perfection

The authors highlight the importance of repetition and practice when it comes to behavior change. By consistently reinforcing positive behaviors, you help children develop new neural pathways, making those behaviors more likely to occur in the future.

Use "neurons that fire together, wire together"

Establishing predictable routines and structures can provide a sense of security and help prevent behavior problems. Consistency in daily routines, such as mealtimes, bedtime, and homework, helps children develop self-discipline and reduces the need for constant discipline.

Implement consistent routines

Instead of focusing solely on the surface behavior, try to identify the underlying needs that may be driving your child's actions. By addressing these needs, you can help prevent future misbehavior and support your child's emotional well-being.

Recognize the underlying needs

View discipline as a chance for your child to develop important life skills, such as problem-solving, self-control, and empathy. Instead of just addressing the immediate behavior, guide them towards understanding the impact of their actions and finding constructive solutions.

Use discipline as an opportunity for growth

Involve your child in the discipline process by encouraging open communication, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving. When children feel heard and valued, they become more invested in finding solutions and taking responsibility for their actions.

Emphasize collaboration and problem-solving

Self-care is an integral part of effective parenting and discipline. Recognize when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed and take steps to recharge and care for your own well-being. By prioritizing self-care, you'll be better equipped to handle challenging situations with your child.

Take care of yourself

A breakfast bowl gets thrown across the kitchen, splattering milk and cereal all over the wall. One of your kids threatens a younger sibling. You get a call from the principal's office for the third time this month. What do you do? Often, parenting is treated like some form of manipulation or behavioural coercion that must be kept secret from children. No-Drama Discipline, instead, is based on recent discoveries about the brain that give us deep insights into the children we care for, what they need, and how to discipline them in ways that foster optimal development. It offers a 'relational' approach that builds on children's innate desire to please their parents and get along well with others. Following the same successful formula that made The Whole-Brain Child a bestseller, No-Drama Discipline presents clear messages in a practical and inviting format to communicate its core concepts and practices. You can discipline your children in a way that's high on relationship-building, high on respect, and low on drama and conflict. As a result, your life as a parent will be easier, and your parenting will become more effective. And more importantly, you'll create connections in your children's brains to build emotional and social skills that will serve them now and throughout their entire life -- all while strengthening your relationship with them.

health

Health

parenting

Parenting

timemanagement

Time Management

books

Books

Daniel J. Siegel

Tina Payne Bryson

No-Drama Discipline

Hebrew sages have said, "Without a vision, the people perish." The phrase "If you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up somewhere else" can also be used to describe this idea. Do you sometimes feel as though you are living in the dark? that you are simply travelling in circles and lack a clear vision or direction? Feeling disoriented? If so, you're not the only one. At some point in their life, the majority of men experience it. A vision statement can be useful. Here are 10 strategies to help you create a life vision if you lack direction.

10 Ways to Set a Vision for Your Life

When you are hindered by previous wounds that have not been attended to, it is challenging to accept a fresh vision for your life. Spend some time reflecting. Do you keep grudges inside? Do you have to let someone go? Are you holding onto pain that needs to be healed? So that you may move on, be open about your emotions, get sage advice, and begin the rehabilitation process.

1. Work to resolve old wounds.

If you're anything like me, you value your importance and think highly of yourself. Despite this, the cosmos does not revolve around us. Find a life goal that will improve the lives of other people.

2. Understand it’s not about you.

Eric Liddell, a Scottish Olympian runner, once said, "God made me fast and when I run, I feel His pleasure." God endowed each of us with certain abilities. What interests and skills do you possess that, when used, will make you feel like Liddell? You should now present that gift to the world.

3. Explore your passion and talents.

Discover those whose lives you admire. How did they get to where they are now and why do they do what they do? Maybe even ask if they'd be open to scheduling frequent meetings.They are the ones who will be there in your life when others leave you these people will always believe in you no matter what the situation is and they are the people on whom you can relie on and you can discuss each and everything in your life , no matter what you can truly believe in them

4. Spend time with people you admire.

Think of a destination. What kind of life do you wish to lead? Which kind of a man do you aspire to be? How do you see your family to look? What kind of job would you wish to have? Imagine it and clearly visualise it.

5. Envision what you want your life to look like.

Dream big. Don’t allow fear or a lack of confidence to shortchange your vision. 
If your vision doesn’t make you at least a little uncomfortable, then you probably aren’t dreaming big enough. It should be scary but also exciting.

6. Don’t limit yourself.

Ask the people closest to you if your vision is on point, particularly your family. Make changes based on their feedback and make sure you get buy-in.

7. Get feedback and buy-in from trusted sources.

Try to come up with a single sentence that best describes your vision. Put it wherever you can see it after writing it down. Then, list three to five action items that you will concentrate on during the ensuing several months to get you closer to achieving your goal. Create new ones after you've completed those action steps.

8. Write a mission statement and list action steps.

Seek out people that will encourage you and hold you accountable to stay on course. 
Ask them to press you on it.

9. Find accountability.

Be prepared for the possibility that as time passes and the situation changes, your original vision may need to be adjusted. Consider your vision to be a living entity. You can respond quickly, calmly, and effectively to unforeseen situations when you are adaptable. However, flexibility goes beyond simply being able to respond to circumstances as they happen. It also entails fundamentally altering how we think, work, and behave.

10. Be flexible.

Be emotional because those emotions will be taking you a long way in your life and always live a life without any regret just live with happiness.

A vision statement helps give direction to our dreams. As fathers, vision statements are crucial. Here are 10 ways to set a vision.

career

Career

writing

Reading & Writing

business

Business

creativity

Creativity

Rich people think about money differently; they make it work for them.When life pushes us around, most people react by taking out their frustrations on their jobs or loved ones. However, wise individuals use these challenges as learning opportunities, reflecting on their own views and mistakes.Believing that problems stem from others keeps us trapped in a cycle of blame. Instead, viewing yourself as capable of handling all situations fosters wisdom and growth.In the terms of money, most people play it safe because they are afraid of losing it.

Rich Don't Work for Money;

Fear stems from worries about affording necessities, handling taxes, or feeling insecure about not having enough money. Greed arises when people have money saved and feel compelled to buy unnecessary items.

Fear And Greed

A liability takes money out of your pocket.An asset increases the value of your money.The cash flow patterns of poor, middle-class, and rich people differ based on their assets and liabilities.Income Sheet:Income: Money earned from various sources.Expenses: Money spent on living costs and other necessities.Balance Sheet:Assets: Items that increase in value or generate income.Liabilities: Items that decrease in value or incur costs.

Assets And Liabilities

Be creative in business while excelling (Be innovative in business while doing your job well. Simultaneously, focus on building assets for future growth) in your profession. Improve your assets simultaneously for future growth.

Bussiness

1. Accounting2. Investing3. Understanding market4. The law5. Supply and demand

Factors

FearCriticismLazinessBad habits ( expenses)

Overcome

Clash flowPeopleSystem

Management Skills

Think big to grasp big opportunities. Master the market and uncover insider knowledge.

Finally

The single most asset we have is our mind.

marketingandsales

Marketing & Sales

moneyandinvestments

Money & Investments

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

Although we have been successful in our careers, they have not turned out quite as we expected. We both have changed positions several times-for all the right reasons-but there are no pension plans vesting on our behalf. Our retirement funds are growing only through our individual contributions. Michael and I have a wonderful marriage with three great children. As I write this, two are in college and one is just beginning high school. We have spent a fortune making sure our children have received the best education available. One day in 1996, one of my children came home disillusioned with school. He was bored and tired of studying. “Why should I put time into studying subjects I will never use in real life?” he protested. Without thinking, I responded, “Because if you don't get good grades, you won't get into college.” “Regardless of whether I go to college,” he replied, “I'm going to be rich.”

Kiyosaki is best known for his book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, the #1 New York Times bestseller. Kiyosaki followed with Rich Dad's CASHFLOW Quadrant and Rich Dad's Guide to Investing.

Robert T. Kiyosaki

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Rich Dad Poor Dad - What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money

I recently watched all of "Rocky" and "Creed". The movies made me want to do one of these quote things. Thus, the following are mostly quotes with little to none explanation.

Intro

1"Because if you're willing to go through all the battling you got to go through to get where you want to get, who's got the right to stop you?"

2"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But, it ain't about how har you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"

If you don't know how to stand back up after taking a fall you won't keep moving forward. People are going to pass you by, you have to get up and move along. That the way you succeed.

Re: Quote 2

3"That's the toughest opponent you're ever gonna have to face."

In your life you will always be competing against yourself. Don't worry about anyone else focus on your goal and perform.

Re: Quote 3

4"Going in one more round when you don't think you can. That's what makes all the difference in your life."

You don't know how much you can push yourself until you do. You might be tired after doing 20 push ups but you have to mentally push yourself to keep on going.

Re: Quote 4

After working so hard to get to what you wanted to get you keep going. No one can tell you to stop. You've reached your goal, now keep striving.

Re: Quote 1

The Rocky movies are incredibly inspiring, as proven by these iconic quotes and sayings that never left our hearts and minds

movies

Movies & Shows

Rocky Balboa: Inspiring quotes and lessons

Being easy, agreeable, and in a constant state of people pleasing felt normal to me.  I could be a nice person and feel like I was selfless. Being nice was a convenient way for me to continue living my "good guy" conditioning.  Of course, I was consistently feeling drained and like my relationships weren't fulfilling.

Why I stopped being nice, so that I could be kind:   Being easy,

Resentment crept in. As I started healing I realized: I wasn't actually being nice. I wasn't being nice to myself. Like most chronic people pleasers, I had no boundaries. This fed a part of me that wanted to feel: needed, important, and like people depended on me. As I slowly started healing myself, I knew I had to break this pattern.

I had to stop being nice so I could be kind. This would mean: I had to set boundaries, I had to say "No," and I had to start actually putting my needs first.

1. It's ok to disappoint people: we naturally disappoint people, and people will disappoint us. This is part of life. 2. Boundaries create generosity: when we have clear limits and prioritize our own needs, we can actually meet the needs of others. The more fulfilled our own needs are, the more we can fulfill the needs of others.

Some of the lessons

3. I don't need to over-explain: I remember the first time I declined doing something without a long winded excuse. It felt so vulnerable and off to me. Why? I believed there had to be a reason for me to not do something. This is how codependency shows up. 4. Healthy people respect your limits: healthy people understand boundaries and don't pressure, guilt, or shame you for not doing something.

5. Doing things because you want to feels good: doing something from a pure space (rather than wanting to get approval or validation from someone) is a very beautiful feeling. It's ok to feel good. 6. Our society glorifies self sacrifice and self betrayal: how often do we hear "He put everyone else before herself" as if this is a noble act. What we don't see is how this can lead to depression, addiction, etc.

I'm still healing from these patterns and I still feel guilty at times, but one thing I no longer have is resentment within my relationships.  And that has changed my life.  REMEMBER: Be kind, not nice!

I can’t tell you how much this summarises my entire life and way of thinking … finally started to be aware that this is not good for myself and starting to change … hard every day

education

Learning & Education

Why I stopped being nice, so that I could be kind

The most obvious reason to train your dog is that you can encourage good behavior—and discourage undesirable behavior. Training your dog means teaching them how to sit, stay, and heel, as well as how to resist chewing up your shoes, and how to wait to urinate until they’re outside. Training can help puppy owners and dog owners alike enjoy their pet’s company.

Encourages desirable behavior

Just like humans, dogs can get bored—and when they get bored, they can act out. Training your dog, whether you’re teaching them essential commands like how to sit and stay, or fun new tricks like how to play dead can be a fun mental exercise that feels like playtime for your dog.

Offers mental stimulation

When your dog successfully learns a new command, it builds the trust and affection they feel toward you, transforming your dog from the family pet to a loyal and reliable companion. Working on commands with your dog is the key to developing a strong and lasting relationship with them.

Builds trust

The cornerstone of all training is control. A controlled animal is focused, calm, and attentive—ready to listen and respond to instruction. Since using a leash gives you 90 percent more control over your dog, you should do all training on leash—not so that you can yank it hard when your dog doesn’t listen, but so that you can stay in control and calmly maintain your dog’s attention.

Perform all training on leash

The best preparation a dog owner can do when beginning dog training is mental: know that there will be ups and downs in the training cycle. Some days, it’ll seem like your dog can do no wrong—the two of you will be perfectly in sync and your pup will be flying through the commands. Other days, you’ll have to try again and again to get him or her to cooperate. Rest assured that a bad training session does not mean you’ve failed or that your dog has no hope of learning the command. Training is a marathon, not a sprint.

Be prepared for ups and downs

Learning how to train a dog may seem like a job for experts, but with a few tips and consistent practice, you and your canine can master basic dog training.

exerciseandfitness

Exercise & Fitness

strategy

Strategy

Dog Training Guide: Basic Dog Training Tips

"30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself" — the positive daily guide that will keep you on track.

<ul><li>“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in your journey.” </li><li>“Don’t be scared to walk alone down the path less traveled, and don’t be scared to love every minute of it.” </li> </ul>So I wrote those two quotes down again, just as I remembered them, and posted them up on the wall over my nightstand. I woke up to these quotes every morning for several years thereafter—they helped keep me centered. I also took tiny steps, day in and day out, until I knew I was finally moving down the right path again.

And so for the longest time, behind a facade of fake smiles, you have inadvertently betrayed yourself for the purpose of pleasing everyone else. And for longest time, your heart has ached. But you’re at a point now where you’re seeing things differently. The heartache just isn’t worth it anymore. Belittling yourself for one more day just doesn’t make any sense. And more than that, you now realize no matter what you do or how you change, some people will never be pleased anyway.

1. Choose to actively think better about yourself.

Good things don't come to those who wait. Good things come to those who are patient... while working hard to do the what's needed to move their lives forward.

meditation

Meditation

9 Life (Saving) Choices Too Many People Wait Too Long to Make

Introduction:Self-esteem plays a vital role in our overall well-being and success. When we have healthy self-esteem, we feel confident, capable, and worthy. To help you boost your self-esteem, here are five key strategies that can make a significant difference in your life.

Boosting Self-Esteem: 5 Key Strategies

Monitor your inner dialogue and replace negative thoughts with positive or neutral ones. Speak to yourself with kindness, encouragement, and self-compassion.

Monitor Your Thoughts 

Set realistic goals and acknowledge your progress. Celebrate even the smallest milestones and recognize your efforts, regardless of the outcome. Each step forward builds your self-esteem.

2. Celebrate Achievements: 

Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques, and take care of your body through exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep.

Prioritize Your Health

Surround yourself with positive influences who uplift and support you. Seek out friends, mentors, or communities that align with your values and inspire you to be your best self.

4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People:

Continuously seek opportunities for personal growth and skill development. Set goals that challenge you and step out of your comfort zone. Embrace failures as learning experiences and cultivate a growth mindset.

Personal Development Is Impory

Boosting self-esteem is an ongoing journey that requires self-awareness, commitment, and practice. By implementing these strategies into your daily life, you can build a strong foundation of self-worth and confidence. Remember, you have the power to shape your self-esteem and create a fulfilling life. Start implementing these strategies today and watch your self-esteem soar.

Conclusion:

Understanding your potential and elevate your self-esteem with these 5 proven strategies. Empower yourself and embrace a confident, fulfilling life. #SelfEsteemBoost"

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