10 Mental Models Explained

Mental models are frameworks and structures that help us understand the world. They shape how we think and how we make decisions.

Today we're focusing on 10 mental models that help us: 1) simplify complexities, and 2) reveal counterintuitive insights.

Here are the 10 mental models:
▪️ Simplify complexities
1/ 80 20 rule
2/ Theory of constraints
3/ First principles
4/ Occam's razor
5/ Hock principle
▪️ Reveal counterintuitive insights
6/ Interest-based counting
7/ Via negativa
8/ Inversion
9/ Relativity
10/ Velocity vs speed

⚡️More Framework & Mental Models⚡️

⏱ TIME STAMPS ⏱
0:00 Awesomeness of mental models
01:20 1/ 80 20 rule
02:29 2/ Theory of constraints
04:13 3/ First principles
06:04 4/ Occam's razor
07:02 5/ Hock principle
08:37 6/ Interest-based counting
10:17 7/ Via negativa
11:28 8/ Inversion
12:19 9/ Relativity
13:09 10/ Velocity vs speed

#mentalmodels
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[creativecat]

My favorite is via negativa, so interesting, kind of like minimalism which I'm trying to practice with my material belongs but it's so true subtraction in the mind can help us see a different perspective. Loved this video, can't wait for part 2!

[issaqua]

Thanks for the vlog on this.

A few that I use all the time that I didn't see mentioned:
1. SIPOC - use this to model most business systems. Very important for Theory of constraints.
2. People, Process & Tools - use this model to examine systems again. Is the problem where you think it is?
3. Time, Cost, Quality, Scope - trade offs, and important for understanding when "agile" vs "waterfall" is appropriate.
4. Understand the cost of rework and complexity (this ties into a discussion about leverage).
5. Read the book "Drawing on the right side of the brain" You cover some of its points, but if you can take the models here and apply to problem solving, I think you'll be surprised by the results.

There are a heap more, but these should be useful in a professional context.

[ProfessorTanyaSpeaks]

Wow. Wow. Never thought of the differentiation between speed and velocity. Like I said: EXCELLENT content. And well explained. Thanks for this, Vicky. You had me stopping, rewinding, and taking notes. That's the mark of a content-rich video.

[VickyZhaoBEEAMP]

What did you think of these 10 mental models? Any surprises? Anything you want to add to your mental toolbox? Leave a comment and let me know!

[MattWongIR]

This was fantastic Vicky. I was taking notes! I really love how you created a flow by showing the order you go through each step, where each's limitation kicks in and how the next model then takes over. I don't think anyone could have explained these better, I really mean that!

[moja-mojahh.jpeg.]

I like the Interest-based counting and Relativity Mental models.

Because whenever I get stucked in an argument with my friends or family members, I always ask myself: What is their interest? What they want to achieve? And in reverse, I also ask myself the same question, What is my interest? By doing so, It helps me to show if I'm being biased or I'm just misunderstanding these people or the situation.

The Relativity mental Model kinda help me to be empathetic or not be judgemental with other people. If someone criticized me with out knowing the whole story, it kinda demonstrate the Relativity framework: Because that person is judging me my system where he's not part of in the first place. So he kinda never relate to what I've been going through. This works vice versa so it kinda help me to pause and know where this person coming from before I make any judgement.

Great mental Models tips by the way❤️ Occam Razor and First Priciple thinking helps me in descion making and Problem solving.

80/ 20 rule helps me with my productivity ❤️

[adedolapoogundeko]

The last model hooked me. Physics was my 2nd favorite subject after Mathematics. I remember the difference between speed (a scalar quantity meaning it has magnitude but no direction) and velocity (a vector quantity with both magnitude & direction).

I need to dig more on how to apply this to my life. I have a few experiences that illustrate no 10).

For example, as a marketer in a bank some years ago, I needed access to an organization. To meet the staff etc. But I just couldn't get in. Fast forward to years later after leaving the bank. My sport, volleyball that I do just because I love it, not for money or suits. And my writing skills got me in there!

I was sure my banking position would do the trick. But it wasn't the key.

Thanks a bunch Vicky!

[rakeshdave]

Hi Vicky, I want to say this that its because of people like you, I feel at ease that I have access to mentors like you who helps us with tools and techniques to navigate through life. Thank you for creating such meaningful and easy to understand videos.
I am also finding myself in similar path as you.. and I cant define how much I can relate with your thinking & troubleshooting process. wish you a great success and health. god bless you.

[ExploreLearnEnglishWithGeorge]

Your channel is an almost 100% fit to my current needs, to be honest when I first came across it I couldn't believe that it is really happening, I had to pinch myself (I was considering for like 2 years now to start my own channel that is dealing exactly with everything that you are covering). This has made my life so much easier, thank you sooo very much. I love your content!

[ProfessorTanyaSpeaks]

As usual, Vicky, you deliver EXCELLENT content. I haven't thought about mental models for a long while, but this reminder was timely because I'll be back in the classroom in September, and I can see this helping my students. I especially think the Hock principle is relevant.

[jwillow]

Exceptionally clearly and eloquently explained. Thank you.

[ravisahi]

What this has been around for 2 Years and i just saw it!! Brilliant, thanks Vicky

[hippoxx]

I really like your videos, not only the content can benefit me a lot, but also the speed of your speech, the words used and the pronunciation are very suitable for me as a person who wants to have more breakthrough in speaking english.thanks!

[giftinnocent]

Thanks Vicky,

From your explanation about the theory of constraints, I have learned to observe and be aware of bottlenecks and do away with them

[ProfessorTanyaSpeaks]

I'd definitely want to hear more mental models, so I've turned on the notification bell so that I'll know if you do a video showcasing more mental models. I really think knowing these would be so empowering for college students.

[ProfessorTanyaSpeaks]

Inversion and via negative are really powerful!!!

[lalithanagarajan]

I really enjoyed your video and learnt more.
Your explanation is simple and clear. The example of airplane is very apt.
I like the mental models of constraints, via negative and velocity vs speed.
Thank you for making this video.

[GabrielCsanalosi]

This is great! A lot of these are tools I've developed on the job while consulting but being able to give them names and keep them in a 'toolbox' make them so much more accessible.
Also, I'm not sure if you're ever going to talk about the "Blue Sky" strategy for identifying a new target markets but Cirque de Soleil was one of the case studies used to explain the strategy during my EMBA from Quantic.

[rasaqjamiuolamilekan]

Thank you, Vicky. Very insightful content here. Wasn't aware of the velocity vs speed definition

[OluwafunmilayoO.-ttmp]

I'm using this to study... I'm prepping for exams and it's a bit overwhelming. Thank you for explaining in simple terms what mental models are, I've subscribed already. Thank you!