Mental Models

Mental models are powerful thinking tools that help us understand, simplify, and navigate complex situations by providing structured ways to approach problems and make informed decisions. Our library features a wide range of mental models, each offering unique insights and strategies for understanding and interacting with the world around us.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply a curious learner, our collection provides you with the knowledge and practical guidance to develop a more adaptive, resilient, and effective mindset. We encourage you to explore the different models, apply them to your own experiences, and share your insights with our community of learners.

Table of Contents

Foundations of Mental Models

Start with the essential tools and mindsets, from understanding core principles to recognizing where your expertise lies, laying a strong foundation for effective thinking.

First Principles Thinking

Breaking down problems to their core elements.

DALL·E 2024-05-15 19.41.24 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'First Principles Thinking'. The icon should visually represent the concept of breaking down complex prob

The Map is Not the Territory

Recognizing that representations differ from reality.

DALL·E 2024-05-15 18.33.59 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'The Map is Not the Territory'. The icon should visually represent the concept that maps or models of rea

Circles of Competence

Identifying areas of expertise and limitations.

DALL·E 2024-05-15 20.11.53 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Circles of Competence'. The icon should visually represent the concept of understanding and working with

System 1 and System 2 Thinking

Understanding the dual modes of thinking.

DALL·E 2024-05-21 18.30.02 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon representing both System 1 and System 2 thinking. The icon should feature a stylized brain divided into two d

Approaching and Framing Problems

Learn structured ways to approach problems, using diverse perspectives and innovative techniques to open up new solutions and ideas.

Triangulation

Gathering diverse perspectives for a fuller understanding.

DALL·E 2024-05-21 13.24.38 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Triangulation'. The icon should visually represent the concept of using multiple methods or points of vi

Thought Experiments

Using imagination to explore possibilities.

DALL·E 2024-05-15 13.19.20 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Thought Experiments'. The icon should visually represent the concept of thought experiments, featuring a

Inversion

Working backward from the goal.

DALL·E 2024-05-14 22.39.04 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Inversion'. The icon should visually represent the concept of approaching problems from the opposite end

SCAMPER: A Systematic Approach to Innovation

Systematic brainstorming for innovation.

DALL·E 2024-05-21 06.27.06 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Innovation'. The icon should visually represent the concept of creativity and breakthrough, featuring a

Decision-Making Strategies

Explore practical strategies for making informed and balanced decisions, focusing on reducing regret and optimizing your choices for success.

Colin Powell's 40-70% Rule

Deciding with optimal information.

DALL·E 2024-05-19 18.43.30 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Less Information'. The icon should visually represent the concept of minimalism and simplicity in inform

Satisficing

Choosing options that meet essential criteria.

DALL·E 2024-05-20 15.54.07 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Satisficing'. The icon should visually represent the concept of making a decision that meets acceptable

Minimize Regret

Making choices that reduce potential future regret.

DALL·E 2024-05-21 16.11.48 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Minimize Regret'. The icon should visually represent the concept of reducing future remorse, featuring a

Reversibility

 Identifying changeable decisions.

DALL·E 2024-05-20 06.40.47 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Reversibility'. The icon should visually represent the concept of actions or processes that can be rever

The Pareto Principle (80-20 Rule)

Focusing on the few factors with the largest impact.

DALL·E 2024-05-19 17.16.34 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Matchstick'. The icon should visually represent a single matchstick with a rectangular head directly joi copy

Simplification and Efficiency

Master the art of simplifying complex issues, focusing on what truly matters, and avoiding common mental traps that hinder clear thinking.

Occam's Razor

Opting for simplicity in explanations.

DALL·E 2024-05-14 22.35.29 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Occam's Razor'. The icon should visually represent the concept of simplicity and selecting the simplest

Hanlon's Razor

Avoiding assumptions of malice without evidence.

DALL·E 2024-05-14 22.37.13 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Hanlon's Razor'. The icon should visually represent the concept of not attributing to malice what can be

Parkinson's Laws

Recognizing how work expands and triviality can dominate.

DALL·E 2024-05-16 19.57.59 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Parkinson's Law'. The icon should visually represent the concept that work expands to fill the time avai

Avoiding the Path of Least Resistance

 Opting for beneficial choices over easy ones.

DALL·E 2024-05-20 13.22.36 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Path of Least Resistance'. The icon should visually represent the concept of choosing the easiest or mos

Probability and Risk Assessment

Develop a toolkit for navigating uncertainty, using probability and awareness of rare events to make sense of complex situations.

Bayesian Thinking

Using probabilistic reasoning based on evidence.

DALL·E 2024-05-14 22.59.01 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Bayesian Thinking'. The icon should visually represent the concept of updating beliefs based on new evid

Probabilistic Thinking

Assessing likelihoods in uncertain situations.

DALL·E 2024-05-14 22.33.29 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Probabilistic Thinking'. The icon should visually represent the concept of weighing probabilities and un

Regression to the Mean

Understanding the tendency to revert to averages.

DALL·E 2024-05-09 09.16.22 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Regression to the Mean'. The icon should visually represent the statistical concept of regression to the

Overlooking Black Swan Events

Recognizing rare but impactful events.

DALL·E 2024-05-18 16.19.43 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Black Swan'. The icon should visually represent the concept of rare and unpredictable events, featuring

Cause and Effect Analysis

Examine how different factors connect and interact, understanding the deeper relationships and potential consequences within any system.

Correlation and Causation

Distinguishing relationships from causative links.

DALL·E 2024-05-16 12.32.00 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Correlation and Causation'. The icon should visually represent the concept of understanding the differen

Secord-Order Thinking

Anticipating long-term ripple effects.

DALL·E 2024-05-15 15.57.36 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Second Order Thinking'. The icon should visually represent the concept of thinking through the consequen

Equilibrium Points

Finding optimal levels of input and output.

DALL·E 2024-05-18 17.28.49 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Equilibrium Points'. The icon should visually represent the concept of balance and stability in a system

Murphy's Law

Preparing for unforeseen challenges.

DALL·E 2024-05-16 19.06.22 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Murphy's Law'. The icon should visually represent the concept that anything that can go wrong will go wr

Evaluating and Judging Information

Hone your ability to evaluate information critically, recognizing what truly matters and the motivations that drive actions.

Sturgeon's Law

Focusing on the valuable minority of information.

DALL·E 2024-05-18 12.33.45 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Sturgeon's Law'. The icon should visually represent the concept that 90% of everything is crud, featurin

Incentives

Recognizing motivations that drive behaviors.

DALL·E 2024-05-15 18.16.28 - Design a very simple and minimalist icon for 'Incentives'. The icon should visually represent the concept of incentives, featuring a stylized carrot o

At QMAK, we believe that mastering mental models is a fundamental component of lifelong learning, personal growth, and navigating the complexities of the modern world. Our content is crafted to be both informative and practical, offering real-world examples, thought-provoking questions, and strategies for integrating these powerful tools into your daily life.

We are committed to making mental models accessible, engaging, and actionable for learners of all ages.