Elevate Letter #41: 3 Mental Models to improve your decision-making

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This one mindset shift has saved me countless hours of misery:

It's all about perspective.

Ever feel like you're just too busy?

I used to think I’d eventually “find” time—until I learned a hard truth.

You’re never going to “find” time.

We tell ourselves, “Next week will be better.”

“After this project, I’ll finally have time.”

But then—new emails, new meetings, new distractions pile up.

Life doesn’t slow down, and neither do the excuses.

If you really want something to happen, you have to make time for it.

That might mean:

• Working on a weekend.

• Waking up 30 minutes earlier.

• Staying up 30 minutes later.

• Replacing TV time with a project.

• Using lunch breaks to build a skill.

• Reducing screen time (an easy win).

• Saying no to non-essential commitments.

Time isn’t something you find—it’s something you carve out, like clearing space in a cluttered room.

If you don’t make room for what matters, distractions will take over.

So, think of one thing you've been putting off.

Now, open your calendar and block time for it.

No more waiting—start today.

One of the best ways to improve decision-making is by using mental models—powerful thinking frameworks that help us solve problems and navigate complex situations.

That’s why I just ordered The Great Mental Models set by Shane Parrish (not sponsored).

Mental models act like shortcuts for better thinking—helping us see the bigger picture, anticipate consequences, and make smarter choices.

Here are three that I’ve found especially useful:

1. Second-Order Thinking

Most people focus only on the immediate effects of a decision, but second-order thinking forces you to consider the long-term consequences as well.

Example:

When choosing a job, don’t just look at the salary.

Consider your long-term fit with the company, opportunities for growth, and how it aligns with your future goals.

I once made the mistake of taking a job just for the paycheck.

A year later, I realized I was miserable because I hadn’t considered the bigger picture.

Second-order thinking would have saved me from that mistake.

2. Parkinson’s Law

Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.

Example:

If you give yourself three days to write a paper, it’ll take three days.

If you set a tight three-hour deadline, you’ll focus better and get it done faster.

This applies to everything.

Set shorter deadlines, limit your work time, and you’ll be amazed at how much more productive you become.

3. Inversion Thinking

Instead of asking, “What should I do?” ask, “What should I avoid?”

Example:

Instead of asking, “How can I be more productive?” ask, “What are the biggest time-wasters in my day?” and eliminate them first.

Often, removing bad habits is more effective than adding new ones.

What’s one decision you’re facing right now?

Try applying one of these mental models—and see how it changes your perspective.

I’ve always been a bit skeptical about AI—there’s plenty of hype, but also real breakthroughs.

One area where AI truly shines is learning and education.

I can imagine a future where we each have a personal AI tutor—one that breaks down complex topics, quizzes us, and even suggests real-world applications for what we learn.

We’re not quite there yet, but even today, tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity can summarize books, explain tough concepts, and test your knowledge—almost like having a tutor on demand.

If you want to start using AI to learn faster, this cheat sheet breaks it down step by step.

Grab a high-quality version here.

I've shared this image a few times in the past, but it's hitting especially hard right now.

Send it to someone who might need to see it!

If you made it this far, I have a small request.

Please reply to this email with one word to describe how you felt about this issue.

Have a great week ahead!

Previous Elevate Letters👇

P.S. : If you haven’t read our previous Elevate Letter editions here they are 😀

»Elevate Letter #40: Why Consistency > Intensity?

»Elevate Letter #39: 3 hacks to be supercommunicator

»Elevate Letter #38: 15 mental models everyone should download into their head