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Mental models are invaluable tools for navigating life’s challenges. They simplify complex ideas, clarify decision-making, and help us stay grounded during uncertainty. Especially in mentally challenging times, I’ve relied on mental models to make sense of the world and stay focused on what matters most. As Charlie Munger wisely said:
“80 or 90 important models will carry about 90% of the freight in making you a worldly-wise person. And, of those, only a handful carry very heavy freight.”
In this post, I’ll share some mental models that have guided me through challenging times. These models, drawn from ancient wisdom and modern insights, offer a framework for thinking, living, and finding meaning.
What Are Mental Models?
Mental models are frameworks or thought processes that help us understand and navigate the world. They serve as lenses through which we interpret reality, simplifying complexity and guiding our decisions. In mentally challenging times, mental models provide clarity and focus, allowing us to prioritise what truly matters and respond effectively to adversity.
Stephen Covey – The Circle of Influence and Control
Inspired by ancient Stoic philosophy, Stephen Covey’s Circle of Influence and Control refines the timeless idea of focusing only on what you can control. While the Stoics emphasised managing your thoughts and actions, Covey introduced a helpful distinction:
- Circle of Control: Things you can directly change (e.g., your behaviour, mindset).
- Circle of Influence: Things you can impact indirectly (e.g., relationships, team dynamics).
- Circle of Concern: Things outside your control (e.g., the economy, world events).
This model reminds us to channel our energy into areas where we can make a difference and let go of what we can’t control.
Victor Frankl – Meaning Through Logotherapy
Victor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning introduces the concept of Logotherapy, which centres on the pursuit of meaning as a fundamental human drive. While Frankl didn’t explicitly frame it as a mental model, his work inspired my interpretation:
- Meaning is personal and unique to everyone.
- It can be found in creation, appreciation, or even suffering—by choosing how we respond to adversity.
Frankl’s insights remind us that even in the face of immense challenges, we have the power to define our purpose and shape our response.
A Mental Model for Leading a Purposeful Life
Living with purpose isn’t just about defining it—it’s about letting it guide our daily actions. Here’s a simple three-step model I follow:
- Purpose: Identify what truly matters to you.
- Preparation: Develop the mindsets, habits, and plans that align with your purpose.
- Productivity: Focus on meaningful actions and outcomes that reflect your values.
This process ensures that purpose remains a living, dynamic force in your life, not just an abstract idea.
Other Influential Mental Models
Here are additional mental models that have proven invaluable:
- First Principles Thinking (popularised by Elon Musk): Break down problems into their most essential truths and rebuild solutions from the ground up.
- The Map Is Not the Territory: Recognize that our perceptions of reality are often incomplete or flawed. Stay open to revising your understanding as new information emerges.
Inversion Thinking: Instead of asking how to succeed, ask how to avoid failure and plan backwards.
These models encourage critical thinking and adaptability, key skills for navigating life’s complexities.
Ancient Symbols and Timeless Lessons
Ancient symbols often carry profound meaning, offering insights into life’s journey. Here are two examples:
- The Ouroboros: A serpent eating its tail, symbolising cyclical renewal and the interconnectedness of beginnings and endings. This model inspires resilience and adaptability.
- The Labyrinth: Representing a journey of discovery, the labyrinth symbolises perseverance and finding your way through life’s twists and turns.
Whether viewed as mystical or metaphorical, these symbols offer timeless lessons for navigating challenges.
Applying Mental Models to Real-Life Scenarios
Mental models aren’t just abstract concepts but practical tools for tackling everyday challenges. Here’s how they can be applied:
- Work Challenges: Use the Circle of Influence to manage workplace stress by focusing on what you can control, like improving your skills or fostering better communication.
- Relationships: Apply Logotherapy to find meaning and resilience during tough times with loved ones by choosing a constructive response.
- Personal Growth: Use First Principles Thinking to break down a complex goal into manageable steps, ensuring steady progress.
Final Thoughts
Mental models are like a mental toolkit, equipping you to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. Whether it’s Stephen Covey’s focus on control, Victor Frankl’s pursuit of meaning, or Charlie Munger’s latticework of knowledge, these models offer invaluable guidance. By adopting and applying these frameworks, you can face mentally challenging times with confidence, focus on what truly matters, and unlock a more profound sense of purpose.
Hasnain Razwi has been involved in transformative projects for the past 15 years. Working with more than 10 different companies across many different sectors, he has acted as a Business Analyst, a Project Manager, a Change Manager and now a Leadership Coach.
Thank you so much for sharing. I will certainly delve further as today, especially, our minds are being challenged like never before. An assumption.