Use mental models to make better decisions

Book available in spring 2025

Learn how to problem-solve with mental models.

600 powerful mental models featured.

9 example case studies for training included.

Complemented by an AI-powered problem-solving tool.

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About the book

The Mental Models Checklist

The Mental Models Checklist is a practical guide and a rich resource for anyone interested in harnessing the power of mental models to become a stronger problem-solver and better decision maker.
The Mental Models Checklist offers a clear framework for understanding what mental models are and how they shape the way we perceive problems and make decisions. It explores the basic principles behind good mental models, making their value clear and illustrating their practical uses.
The Mental Models Checklist outlines a step-by-step process for actually using mental models, transforming what can sometimes feel like abstract theory into tangible actions. You’ll learn how to select the right models for different types of problems, systematically apply them, and integrate them into your daily life.
The Mental Models Checklist includes an extensive catalogue of knowledge with material on 600 of the most powerful mental models known to man. The book includes 3 different checklists and 9 example case studies showcasing the power of mental models in actions.

About the author

Magnus Th. Ludviksson

Magnus Th. Ludviksson is an economist, strategy consultant, and author based in Iceland. Ludviksson currently works for Icelandair, Iceland’s flag carrier and largest private employer, where he leads the Strategy & Corporate Development function. Previously he worked as a management consultant for McKinsey & Co., where he worked on strategy, business analysis, and transformations for both international corporations and public institutions. He has also worked independently as a strategy consultant in addition to regularly holding seminars on strategy and problem-solving. Ludviksson lives in Reykjavik with his partner and young daughter.

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What are mental models?

Like many others, the author was introduced to the concept of mental models by Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s longtime business partner and vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, through his book Poor Charlie’s Almanack.
When Charlie Munger spoke of mental models, he simply meant the „big ideas in all the big disciplines“. By „big disciplines,“ he meant foundational academic fields like mathematics, physics, and biology. By „big ideas,“ he simply meant the core, fundamental concepts that encapsulate deep truths about how the world works.
These sorts of mental models can serve as cognitive frameworks that help us understand and simplify our messy reality. They guide how we process information, form predictions, and make decisions.
You can picture mental models as tools in a cognitive toolbox. A carpenter doesn’t rely on a hammer to solve every problem; instead, they choose the right tool for each task. Similarly, a diverse collection of mental models allows us to select the most appropriate framework for a given challenge.
Why study mental models? For us humans, it is akin to training a neural network on high-quality data. Well trained large language models adapt to new inputs and rapidly produce relevant outputs. Similarly, when our minds are stocked with a broad range of mental models, we can approach unfamiliar problems with greater agility and confidence. We won’t have to start from zero; making our problem-solving both more efficient and effective.

Mental models from The Mental Models Checklist

Get notified when book comes out

The Mental Models Checklist will be published in early 2025. The book will be available for purchase exclusively on Amazon.