How to Think 10x Better: The Secret of Mental Models
David. Hermann
I help executives transform barriers into breakthroughs | $500 million in documented value to clients | LI Top 1% | Advisor | Executive Coach | Transformation Expert | Board Director | Author | Speaker | Investor | AI
By David. Hermann , CEO of hermanngroup
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A few years ago, I met a CEO who made decisions so effortlessly, it was surprising. Whether it was hiring, pricing strategy, or an unexpected crisis, he never seemed flustered. One day, over coffee, I asked him outright: How do you always seem to know the right move?
He smiled and said, “I don’t. I just have a better map.â€
He explained that he had spent years collecting mental models—powerful ways of thinking that help simplify complex problems. Instead of reacting emotionally or relying on gut instinct, he applied proven frameworks to see the hidden structure in chaos.
That conversation changed how I approached everything.
Why You’re Losing Without Realizing It
Most people rely on experience and intuition. But here’s the problem: intuition is just pattern recognition, and if your patterns are limited to your past experiences, you’re trapped in a tiny echo chamber of thinking.
If your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.
Imagine two executives facing the same challenge. One approaches it emotionally, using gut feeling. The other applies second-order thinking (a mental model that considers long-term consequences) and game theory (a model for strategic interaction). Who wins? Every single time, it’s the person who knows how to think better.
Here’s the kicker: Mental models aren’t just for elite CEOs or world-class strategists. They’re for anyone who wants to outthink, outperform, and outmaneuver their competition.
The Positive Future: What Changes When You Start Using Mental Models
Once you start collecting and applying mental models, your decision-making transforms. You’ll:
- Spot bad ideas faster because you’ll recognize logical fallacies and cognitive biases.
- Make better long-term decisions because you’ll think in second- and third-order consequences.
- Outmaneuver competitors because you’ll anticipate their moves before they make them.
- Reduce stress and indecision because you’ll have reliable tools to break down problems.
The Solution: Start Building Your Mental Model Toolkit
So, how do you start?
- Learn the foundational models. Begin with first-principles thinking (breaking a problem down to its basics), inversion (thinking backward to avoid failure), and second-order thinking.
- Apply them daily. Pick a decision you made today and ask: What mental model should I have used here? Over time, this rewires your brain to think in structured ways.
- Steal from the greats. Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger swear by mental models. Read their insights, understand how they think, and apply it to your own work.
Start today. Pick a single mental model and use it. The difference will shock you.
What’s a decision you recently made that you improved by using a better mental model? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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Would you like to discuss it live? Let’s talk.
Pro Tip: Review the models we already explored in prior Getting Off the Dime articles:
Pareto principle describes how small set has a disproportionately large impact on the whole.
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Antifragility, a concept pioneered by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, describes how a system can get stronger by counting on failure.
Streetlight effect indicates the cognitive bias of measure what is easy to measure instead of what is meaningful to measure. Also introduces the McNamara Fallacy of only focusing on quantifiable data instead of also including qualitative data.
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The Hero’s Journey is a concept first defined in its current form by Joseph Campbell. It describes the transformation the hero undergoes in achieving the goal.
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Jazz, especially in the improvisational form, is a great model for allowing teams to rapidly respond to changing conditions by evolving an optimal process (one of the models I defined).
The Burning Platform is a metaphor and mental model for the immanent and urgent reason for change.
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The Magic Wand is a great mental model for getting people to share what they would do if they could change anything about their situation.
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The Coastline Paradox is a relatable model describing how the answer you get depends on how you measure a problem.
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The Pipes of Puccini indicate how creative constraint can unleash new types of mastery.
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The Red Queen Effect warns that in a dynamic, competitive environment, standing still is the same as falling behind.
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David. Hermann is a transformative healthcare executive and strategist with a remarkable ability to catalyze organizational growth and efficiency. As a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, David has led initiatives resulting in more than $500 million in documented financial improvements for his clients. A recognized thought leader, he has delivered 60+ speaking engagements, authored numerous publications, and ranks in the top 1% of Consulting Voices on LinkedIn, making him a go-to expert in strategy, change leadership and operations.
Freelance Writer | Tech & Finance Specialist | Creating Content for SuperWorld & Beyond
6 天å‰Great insight and much needed advice
Strategic Executive Leader | Expertise in Payments & Fintech | Program Management, Operations, Customer Success, Contract Negotiation, & Compliance
2 周Great article, David! I’ve used the Pareto, Burning Platform, and Red Queen models in the past, but I’ll definitely look into the others. Using models and frameworks is so important, not only for ourselves but for our teams so we can be sure we are all rowing in the same direction.
Manager for Sailing Related Businesses - Sail Production and Sailing Instruction
2 周mental models are some what new to me, although they can be observed in the results of companies. Things I can easily apply in my current situation. Great discussion.
CEO of Riverpath Care Ltd | Transforming Healthcare for vulnerable populations
2 周Great insights David. Hermann