Mental Models

Our 10 Most Popular Articles of 2023

December 28, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

Top Blog Articles of 2023 Here are our most popular exclusive features of 2023. Pass this on to your friends; if they like these, they can sign up to receive our RSS feeds.

The Secret Weapon to Happiness. Happiness is tied to expectations—whether things exceed or fall short. Adjusting expectations, as suggested by Buddhism, can boost joy, without the need for constant striving or societal pressures.

Why It’s So Hard to Apologize. Non-apologizers find it challenging to set aside pride and concede imperfections, often as an effort to protect a fragile self-image. Apologies don’t have to prove a point.

The Two Best Employee Engagement Questions. How actively do you engage in enhancing your responsibilities, and does your workplace actively seek your input for improvements? To what extent do the processes you work with support your success in your role?

Listening Is Not Just Waiting to Talk. When we pretend to listen while internally rehearsing our response—crafting a counterargument,—we fail to genuinely grasp the speaker’s message, overlooking its nuances and subtleties.

A Daily Appointment with Your Worries. Schedule specific 15- to 30-minute “Worry Time” slots on your calendar to limit and make your worries more productive, encouraging active problem-solving and preventing constant rumination throughout the day.

The Shoichi Yokoi Fallacy. Japanese soldier Shoichi Yokoi hid in Guam for 28 years, clinging to his identity and principles, but ultimately sacrificed his life as unwavering adherence to ideals turned into a vice.

Why Your Partner May Be Lying. People may lie to partners when they feel unsafe telling the truth, fearing rejection or disapproval. The focus is often on short-term benefits, and if they believe they won’t get caught, they find it expedient to sidestep the truth.

Three Rules to Decide If You Should Automate a Task. Selecting processes for automation is challenging, but a thorough workflow analysis reveals the ideal path for automation. The process should be efficient, requiring minimal human interaction.

Much Said, Little Decided in Most Meetings. Gathering well-paid professionals for unproductive, costly interactions is unchecked. For better decisions, plan purposeful meetings that prioritize decision-making over information-sharing.

Under Pressure, the Narrowing Cognitive Map. Time pressure can lead to “narrowing of the cognitive map,” causing tunnel vision and errors in judgment. The case of Singapore Airlines Flight 6 exemplifies how this hinders decision-making.

And here are some articles of yesteryear that continue to be popular:

We wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2024!

Unlocking Motivation: The Power of Starting Small

December 22, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

Unlocking Motivation: The Power of Starting Small When you find yourself trapped in the inertia of inaction, weighed down by the anchor of procrastination, and it seems like the lack of motivation is insurmountable, a little trick can help you navigate the resistance holding you back.

Imagine a chilly, overcast day when the mere thought of a 40-minute walk feels daunting. Try this: tell yourself, “I’ll just do five minutes.” Your brain is far less likely to put up a fight in response. Surprisingly, once you’re out there, those initial five minutes often evolve into a more extended and productive walk.

This little mental game can be the key to unlocking your motivation.

Aiming low isn’t just for those labeled as underachievers. On the contrary, setting the bar low can be your secret weapon for overcoming the fear of failure.

There’s indeed something magical about focusing on the bare minimum. Aiming low acts as the spark to get you going and transforms the game into ‘easy mode.’ In contrast, constantly reaching for the stars may, more often than not, sink you in the quicksand of demotivation.

Idea for Impact: Start small. With a modest little spark, you’ll see motivation embark.

The Best Way To Change Is To Change Your Behavior First

December 14, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

How 'Faking It Till You Make It' Could Help You Change Visualize change as a triangular framework, with thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as its vertices. Manipulate one element, and the other two inevitably respond. When your thoughts evolve, your emotions and actions undergo transformation; altering your emotions can reshape your thoughts and behaviors, and changes in behavior can impact your thoughts and emotions.

This symbolic triangle acts as a guide for fostering meaningful change. It provides the flexibility to choose the route that best aligns with your individuality and circumstances. Start somewhere.

Idea for Impact: If you find yourself at a crossroads, acknowledging the necessity for change but waiting for the mental and emotional shifts to emerge, take a gentle step in the right direction. Embrace the timeless wisdom of “acting as if” or “faking it until you make it.” By altering your actions, you’ll soon notice your thoughts and emotions falling in line, per the Self-Perception Theory. Commitment becomes a potent catalyst for transformation—remember that your self-concept isn’t solely shaped by existing beliefs and emotions but can also be molded by your behavior.

Decisions, Decisions: Are You a Maximizing Maniac or a Satisficing Superstar?

December 7, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

Are you one of those people who agonize over every little decision? Do you find yourself in an epic battle of comparison when it comes to picking out what to pack for your holiday, choosing a movie, buying cereal, or selecting a restaurant? Chances are you are a maximizer—an expert in the art of analyzing every option to make that elusive “perfect” choice. It’s in your DNA to want the absolute best.

Don’t Yearn for Perfection in Every Choice

You stand apart from the other category of decision-makers—the satisficers. These individuals effortlessly select from a variety of good options, swiftly make decisions, and contentedly live with the outcomes. They don’t invest time pursuing perfection; for them, “good enough” is just that—good enough.

Most people, though, fall somewhere on the spectrum between satisficing and maximizing. Studies conducted by the Swarthmore College psychologist Barry Schwartz, the author of the best-selling book The Paradox of Choice—Why More Is Less (2004,) have shown that extreme maximizers tend to suffer from lower levels of optimism, happiness, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction. These perfectionists are even less content with their everyday decisions and are plagued by constant regret. So, while these perfectionists are out there desperately hunting for the highest-rated restaurant, movie, or cruise, they might be sucking the joy out of life—for themselves and those around them.

Here’s a nifty trick to help you break free from this endless cycle of decision-making despair. Picture this: set a time limit of 30 to 60 seconds for most decisions in your life. In a flash, you eliminate the anxiety and nail-biting tension that usually accompanies the nonstop quest for the “right” choice. You might have to tap into your intuition or rely on that subconscious decision-making process we all possess. It’s worth it.

Perfectionism Often Leads to Frustration and Stagnation

Let’s be real here, beyond a certain point, comparing every single option on the planet won’t make a lick of difference. Save yourself the precious commodity called time by getting a general sense of what’s out there and settling for something that’s perfectly fine.

And once you’ve made that choice, it’s time to embrace it wholeheartedly. Focus on the benefits, the positives, and all the amazing things your decision brings into your life. Instead of incessantly second-guessing yourself, you’ll have more time to revel in the fruits of your choice. Imagine that—a life where you’re actually enjoying your decisions instead of fretting over whether they were “right” or not.

Here’s the golden rule: learn to be content with choices that meet your core requirements rather than constantly chasing the mirage of the “best.” Make peace with satisficing and banish the notion of “the one that got away” from your thoughts. It won’t be a walk in the park, mind you. Breaking old habits is always a challenge, and initially, you might find yourself yearning for that elusive perfection. But in the grand scheme of things, liberating yourself from the clutches of maximizing will bring you mental freedom and a more fulfilling approach to decision-making.

Idea for Impact: Maximize when needed, satisfice when best. Learn to balance for happiness’ sake.

Ready to embrace the world of satisficing? Leave behind the exhausting pursuit of perfection, and let ‘good enough’ choices bring you happiness and satisfaction. Your future self will thank you for it!

When Bean Counters Turn Risk Managers: Lessons from the Ford Pinto Scandal

December 4, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi 1 Comment

When Bean Counters Turn Risk Managers: Lessons from the Ford Pinto Scandal During the 1970s, the Ford Pinto scandal became a notorious and impactful episode within the automotive industry. This scandal revolved around significant safety concerns and ethical dilemmas associated with the Ford Pinto, a subcompact car. At the center of this controversy was the Pinto’s design flaw, which rendered it susceptible to fuel tank fires in the event of rear-end collisions.

The Pinto’s fuel tank was located in a highly vulnerable spot just behind the rear axle. This design flaw meant that, in the unfortunate event of a rear-end collision, the fuel tank could rupture, resulting in fuel leakage and, tragically, sometimes even fatal fires. Concerns regarding the safety of the Pinto were raised both internally within Ford and externally by safety advocates and engineers.

After at least fifty-nine lives had been lost, the scandal escalated dramatically when it came to light that Ford had conducted an internal cost-benefit analysis, which demonstrated that rectifying the design flaw and enhancing the Pinto’s safety would be more expensive than potentially settling legal claims for injuries and fatalities stemming from accidents. Ford had, with unwavering determination and, at times, dubious tactics, lobbied against a crucial safety standard that would have compelled them to address the risk and redesign the Pinto’s fire-prone gas tank.

This episode served as a stark lesson for the nation in the principles of cost-benefit analysis. The cost of implementing rubber liners to fix the problem was estimated at $137 million, while a meticulous calculation of the all costs associated with those who suffered and perished only amounted to $49.5 million.

Overall, society has made significant progress since the Ford Pinto scandal. Across various industries, from construction to healthcare, aviation to retail, automotive to hospitality, the principle of “safety first” is not merely a hollow industry slogan. Projects and endeavors now prioritize the well-being and protection of individuals, employees, and the general public.

While some may resent our increasingly litigious society and the abundance of frivolous lawsuits that burden the legal system and public resources, it is important to acknowledge that this litigious nature has played a crucial role in holding companies and regulators accountable.

Beyond the Illusion: The Barnum Effect and Personality Tests

November 30, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

Beyond the Illusion: The Barnum Effect and Personality Tests In 1948, the American psychologist Bertram Forer conducted a personality test with his students, after which he provided what he claimed were personalized personality descriptions based on their test scores. In reality, Forer handed out the same generic newspaper astrology column to all students; therefore his personality descriptions were applicable to the majority of people.

Surprisingly, Forer’s students found these vague descriptions to be incredibly personal and highly accurate. Forer compared this psychological phenomenon to the captivating showmanship of P.T. Barnum, whose acts and deceptions enthralled audiences by making them believe they were witnessing something truly extraordinary. This phenomenon became known as the “Barnum Effect.”

The Barnum Effect, also referred to as the Forer Effect, involves subjective personality validation. This effect helps explain why individuals readily embrace horoscopes, personality tests, and fortune-telling, even when these sources provide generalized, positive statements that appear tailored to them but, in reality, apply to a wide range of people.

Idea for Impact: Be wary of the innate human inclination to seek personal validation and meaning in the information you encounter

In the realm of personality tests, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Many widely used tests have notable limitations and lack substantial validation. Without being employed scientifically and within the appropriate context, along with a healthy dose of skepticism, personality tests may simply serve as enjoyable group activities. They are particularly good at initiating conversations, injecting a playful and light-hearted aspect into social interactions.

In a broader sense, it’s wise to be wary of anyone who promises swift psychological diagnoses. Watch out for charlatans, self-proclaimed psychics, dubious psychotherapists, and faith healers who assert they can unveil the depths of your psyche in a matter of minutes. Stay inquisitive, but discerning.

Steering the Course: Leadership’s Flight with the Instrument Scan Mental Model

November 6, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

Instrument Scan Mental Model: Leaders Must Employ Their Instruments for Guided Insight Embarking on flight training comes with a nifty habit that instructors eagerly instill from the get-go: the art of instrument scanning.

Whispers from your instructor echo in your mind, urging you with the mantra, “Scan, scan, scan!”

Keep a Good Scan of Your Instruments, Never Be Stumped

A vital cautionary command follows closely, “Don’t stare!” You learn to effortlessly let your gaze flit from one instrument to another. The altitude indicator, heading indicator, airspeed indicator, and vertical speed indicator each hold a crucial piece of the intricate airborne puzzle.

There’s a natural instinct to fixate on a single instrument, yet doing so can lead pilots astray. Gazing at the altimeter may cause heading drift, while focusing solely on heading may compromise airspeed control.

Pilots are trained to maintain a cohesive scan of all instruments, constantly cross-checking the streams of data. By doing so, they can swiftly identify any inconsistencies, such as an altitude indicating descent while the altimeter shows level flight.

With instrument scanning, pilots can promptly isolate the problematic instrument or data stream, and if necessary devise alternative plans to obtain the necessary information and ensure the aircraft’s safe and steady flight.

Just as Pilots Use Instruments in the Air, Leaders Scan Their Realm

The concept of an instrument scan mindset serves as a potent analogy for effectively managing critical information within the realm of business. Much like pilots, leaders must engage in ongoing monitoring, analysis, and cross-referencing of pertinent data. To achieve success, it’s imperative to proactively pay attention to emerging trends, maintain a steadfast focus on the larger picture, and cultivate a curious mindset.

It is of utmost importance to avoid fixating on a single metric to the detriment of considering other vital factors that could impact the business. Leaders should routinely revisit their goals, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs,) and conduct a thorough analysis of data to discern trends, patterns, and areas of concern, all while embracing a proactive and inquisitive approach. They should be unafraid to pose challenging questions, challenge assumptions, and maintain a comprehensive situational awareness.

Sadly, in the world of business, this mindset is frequently overlooked. Reports are often generated, and actions taken without the rigorous cross-checking or sense-checking of the underlying data. Stakeholders become overly fixated on a single “instrument,” and in doing so, they fail to maintain a broader scan of the business landscape.

It is crucial to refrain from accepting data at face value, as maintaining a vigilant scan and a more extensive situational awareness is of paramount importance. Embrace the wisdom of instrument scanning to chart a course toward success, steering clear of perilous assumptions and acquiring a comprehensive understanding of your business’s performance.

Leaders Must Employ Their ‘Instruments’ for Guided Insight

Within the symbolic framework of leadership, as in flying an aircraft, the concept of instrument scanning encompasses the continual practice of gathering and interpreting information. This process is vital for making well-informed decisions, safeguarding the welfare of the organization or team, and steering a precise path toward the envisioned goals.

Much like how pilots depend on their instruments to navigate their flights safely and on the correct course, effective leadership through instrument scanning is essential. It serves as the linchpin for steering an organization or team toward triumph and preserving their vitality and stability.

Protect the Downside with Pre-mortems

November 2, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

American self-help author Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way (2014) draws inspiration from Stoic philosophy to demonstrate how obstacles and challenges can be transformed into opportunities for personal growth and success. One recommended mindset is the pre-mortem: envisioning potential difficulties aligns with Stoic principles of accepting what one cannot control and focusing on their responses to external events:

In a postmortem, doctors convene to examine the causes of a patient’s unexpected death so they can learn and improve for the next time a similar circumstance arises. Outside of the medical world, we call this a number of things—a debriefing, an exit interview, a wrap-up meeting, a review—but whatever it’s called, the idea is the same: We’re examining the project in hindsight, after it happened.

A pre-mortem is different. In it, we look to envision what could go wrong, what will go wrong, in advance, before we start. Far too many ambitious undertakings fail for preventable reasons. Far too many people don’t have a backup plan because they refuse to consider that something might not go exactly as they wish. Your plan and the way things turn out rarely resemble each other. What you think you deserve is also rarely what you’ll get. Yet we constantly deny this fact and are repeatedly shocked by the events of the world as they unfold.

Idea for Impact: By embracing anticipation, you equip yourself with the tools to fortify your defenses, and in some cases, sidestep challenges altogether. You’re ready with a safety net ready to catch you if you stumble. With anticipation, you can endure.

P.S. Many industries—engineering, manufacturing, healthcare just to name a few—have a very formal, structured, systematic approach to identify and prioritize potential failures, their causes, and their consequences. As with a pre-mortem, the primary purpose of FMEA is to proactively assess and mitigate risks by understanding how a process or system might fail and the impact of those failures.

Shrinkflation: It’s All About How We Conceive the Changes We Perceive

October 27, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

Shrinkflation: It's All About How We Conceive the Changes We Perceive Shrinkflation is a pricing tactic where manufacturers covertly reduce the size or quantity of familiar products while keeping the package price the same, or even slyly increasing it. Shrinkflation is a subtle means for consumer goods producers to conceal a rise in unit prices by giving customers less product at the same cost. This strategy is frequently deployed during periods of inflation and impending economic downturns.

But why not simply raise the prices outright? Consumers are generally understanding of price hikes if they perceive them as reasonable. However, when it comes to products like food and shampoo, they might not fully comprehend the reasons behind these pricing adjustments. As they feel the economic pressure mounting, consumers tend to find shrinkflation and the preservation of familiar package prices more palatable than a direct price increase.

Innovation: Be as Eager to Stop Zombie Projects as You Are to Begin the New

October 26, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

Be as Eager to Stop Zombie Projects as You are to Begin the New Innovation entails not only the disciplined creation and implementation of new ideas that add value but also the acumen to identify and cease zombie projects.

Has a project consistently failed to deliver expected outcomes despite substantial investments? Could the project’s objectives be achieved more efficiently through alternative means? Have shifts in strategic direction made the initial goals irrelevant?

Idea for Impact: Instead of pouring additional resources into a zombie project in the hope of eventual success and payback, consider the risk of squandering more funds. In an era of limited resources and unmet demands, making careful resource allocation is a crucial aspect of effective innovation.

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Mental Models

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Don’t Yearn for Perfection in Every Choice

Perfectionism Often Leads to Frustration and Stagnation

Idea for Impact: Maximize when needed, satisfice when best. Learn to balance for happiness’ sake.

Wondering what to read next?

Wondering what to read next?

Idea for Impact: Be wary of the innate human inclination to seek personal validation and meaning in the information you encounter

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Keep a Good Scan of Your Instruments, Never Be Stumped

Just as Pilots Use Instruments in the Air, Leaders Scan Their Realm

Leaders Must Employ Their ‘Instruments’ for Guided Insight

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