Mental model
A mental model is a simplified representation of reality that helps predict, explain, and make decisions.
Definition
Mental models are needed because the world is too complex to analyze everything from scratch. At the same time, each model misses some data and can lead to errors if it is outdated or too rigid. Development is about consciously updating models, not about having one perfect model.
Key ideas
- Uproszczenie rzeczywistości
- Przewidywanie skutków
- Aktualizacja przekonań
Practice and life
Before an important decision, write down your situation model: assumptions, data, unknowns and conditions under which you will change your mind.
Common misunderstanding
It is a mistake to confuse the model with reality. The second mistake is using an old model in a new context.
Questions for self-reflection
- Jaki model tej sytuacji mam w głowie?
- Co ten model pomija?
- Jakie dane zmusiłyby mnie do jego zmiany?