Mental Models - Book Takeaways

Focus on the things that if not done result in bad outcomes. A lot of urgent things, don't actually need to be done now. What happens if you don't do them?

By focusing on the important, you have more time to focus on the things that really make a difference.

We usally only focus on the first domino when making a decision. That will make me happy, I'll do it. But what domino's follow? What's the long term effects of your decision?

By visulizing the consequences of your choice you'll be able to make better choices in the future.

If you can make a decision reversable you'll stress less and make better decisions.

If you buy now you can get X, but only today. Buying is a fixed decision, walking away and thinking about it is reversable (you can always come back). Thinking it over will give you time to rethink if it really is that good a deal /if you need it.

Reversing a decision isn't going back on your word. It's making a new decision based on the new information you have gathered.

When we seek perfection nothing gets done. When we settle for satisfaction a lot more gets done.

If you need all the information before making a decision you'll probably still have to settle for something less than perfect. Don't waste time, settle for something satisfactory at the start. You'll be just as happy.

My rule is that if you have someone or something that gets 70% approval, you just do it, cause here's what happens. The fact that other options go away immediately brings your choice to 80,because the pain of deciding is over.

Imagine yourself on your deathbed. When you're looking back on your life now what choice would you regret more?

This will help you to be more confident in your decisions.

I'll write more takeaways at a later date.