A mental model is the picture in your head of how something works.
These are the intuitive, lived-in, often incomplete maps we carry around to help us navigate the world. They’re the invisible assumptions that drive how we interpret, predict, and act.
If that picture’s wrong or missing, behaviour stalls, or swerves in the wrong direction.
Think on:
Structural models:
These shape how people believe things are built or organised.
vs
Mental shortcut: Fast, intuitive mental models we use daily. Like thinking shark attacks are common due to the Availability model.
Social models:
These explain how people relate and behave in groups. Like Loyalty to in-groups aka the tribe.
vs
Time & progress models: These shape how people see change, growth, or urgency. Like milestone thinking. “By 30, I should have...”.
“Ask someone to explain how this works in one sentence. Do they get it right?”
Clear answer = model fits.
Shaky guess = model misaligned.
What to do
Want the complete fix?
This card links to tactics, build-kits, and evidence.
→ Get full access
Already on board? Log in
