In episode 4 of the Traction Heroes podcast, Harry and I discussed mental models. It’s a tricky phrase: we brought up two different, yet common, uses:
- Mental models as individuals’ internal understandings of a particular things and situations – i.e., the “Indi Young” sense.
- Mental models as universally-applicable mental shortcuts or tools for thinking about situations – i.e., the “Shane Parrish/Charlie Munger” sense.
Knowing how your mind understands things will help you act more skillfully. But models are often based on incomplete information or in tension with other latent ideas. We landed on a practical note, with Harry explaining a framework for making these points of tension visible.
We’re still trying to get our bearings with this new show. I’d love to know how these conversations are landing for you. If you have feedback, please get in touch and tweak my own models.