A Note on Thinking Tools
Dear students,
Our minds often run on autopilot. We chase habits, follow assumptions, and repeat inherited patterns. But there is another way: mental models. Its like lenses you can switch to see reality differently.
Think of these 12 as a toolkit:
First Principles Thinking breaks problems down to the bone, beyond assumptions.
Second-Order Thinking asks, “What happens after the first effect?” A.k.a the chain reactions.
Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) reminds us: not all effort is equal, some moves matter most.
Inversion says: sometimes progress comes from asking, “What should I avoid?”
Occam’s Razor whispers: the simplest path is often the truest.
Law of Diminishing Returns shows when more effort gives less result.
Hanlon’s Razor: don’t assume malice where misunderstanding could explain.
Survivorship Bias warns: don’t only study the winners, the failures hold wisdom too.
Hick’s Law: too many choices slow you down…simplify.
Confirmation Bias: beware of only seeking what agrees with you.
Sunk Cost Fallacy: don’t chain yourself to the past; leave when it’s wiser.
Regret Minimization Framework: choose today what your future self will thank you for.
These models are not rules, but compasses. Use them to step outside the fog of impulse and see your path with sharper clarity.
Ask yourself often: Am I thinking, or just reacting?
With resonance,
Dr. Kamal Sabran
