Model 01 • Rationality
The Core Mental Models of High Performers
Mental models are cognitive representations of how things work in reality. By building a diverse "latticework of mental models" (a concept championed by Charlie Munger), you avoid viewing every problem through a single narrow lens.
First-Principles Thinking
Deconstruct a problem to its absolute fundamental truths, and reason up from there rather than reasoning by analogy or following consensus.
Second-Order Thinking
Do not just ask "What happens next?" Ask "And then what?" Consider immediate benefits versus long-term unintended consequences.
Inversion (Jacobi's Rule)
"Invert, always invert." Instead of asking how to succeed, ask how to guarantee failure—and systematically avoid those pitfalls.
Model 02 • Stoic Psychology
The Dichotomy of Control: Cultivating Unshakable Mental Peace
Originating from the Hellenistic philosophy of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, the Dichotomy of Control separates all elements in life into two distinct categories:
Within Your Control
Your thoughts, intentions, efforts, personal habits, integrity, reactions, and how you respond to adversity.
Outside Your Control
Other people's opinions, past events, market fluctuations, the outcome of an exam, and unforeseen external accidents.
Suffering arises when we tie our emotional wellbeing to things outside our direct control. Peace of mind comes from channeling 100% of our energy toward our own decisions and actions.
Model 03 • Attention Ecology
Mastering Deep Work in an Era of Infinite Distraction
In a hyper-connected world, uninterrupted focus is becoming increasingly rare—and therefore immensely valuable. Shallow work (responding to notifications, quick emails, social feeds) gives an illusion of productivity while contributing little true creative output.
Rules for Sustained Deep Focus:
- Protect 90-Minute Focus Blocks: Human ultradian rhythms cycle through peak alertness every 90 minutes. Dedicate this window to your most difficult task with zero notifications.
- Embrace Boredom: Constantly checking your phone during brief pauses conditions the brain to crave constant novelty, degrading sustained attention spans.
- End-of-Day Shutdown Ritual: Completely disconnect work at a set time each evening to allow cognitive recovery and memory consolidation during sleep.