12 mental models to think like a top-performer. You don’t need to learn everything the hard way. Mental models are decision-making shortcuts. Tools borrowed from science, strategy, and experience to help you: ↳ Break down tough problems ↳ Zoom out to see the bigger picture ↳ Lead with more clarity and fewer missteps Instead of trial and error, they offer clearer choices. Instead of chaos, they offer structured insight. Here are 12 mental models to help you think clearer and decide faster: 1. First Principles Thinking ➟ Strip a problem to its basics. ➟ Rebuild from the ground up, no assumptions. 2. Second-Order Thinking ➟ Ask: "And then what?" ➟ Think beyond the next step to avoid surprises. 3. Circle of Competence ➟ Know what you know. ➟ Avoid pretending outside your depth. 4. Compounding ➟ Tiny consistent actions = massive long-term results. ➟ Invest in habits, not hacks. 5. Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) ➟ 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. ➟ Find the few things that move the needle. 6. The Map Isn’t the Territory ➟ Your plan isn’t reality. ➟ Adjust when facts change. 7. Inversion Thinking ➟ Instead of “What’s the best way to succeed?” ➟ Try “What would cause me to fail?” Then avoid it. 8. Law of Diminishing Returns ➟ More effort doesn’t always mean better results. ➟ Know when to stop. 9. Occam’s Razor ➟ Simpler is usually better. ➟ Cut through complexity with clarity. 10. Regression to the Mean ➟ Don’t overreact to highs or lows. ➟ They tend to balance out. 11. Social Proof ➟ If you’re unsure, you’ll look to others. ➟ So will your team. Lead with intention. 12. Tipping Point ➟ Progress looks slow, until it explodes. ➟ Keep going. Momentum builds quietly. Remember: Mental models won’t do the work for you. But they’ll keep you from doing the wrong work. Put them to work consistently, and you’ll start to see: ↳ Faster wins ↳ Fewer missteps ↳ More confidence in every decision Because clearer thinking leads to better outcomes. 👉 Repost to help more founders think with clarity. Follow Christian Rebernik for more on startup leadership and smart decision-making | 85 comments on LinkedIn