Mental Models

Shift Left

In the world of software development and building systems, "Shift Left" is the intentional practice of moving critical t…

Cut the Frog Up First

"Cut the Frog Up First" is a mental model designed to eliminate the paralysis that comes from facing a complex, intimida…

The One-Two Rule

The One-Two Rule is a rigid time discipline designed to enforce a Bias Toward Motion. In the world of building—whether y…

The Sharp End of the Wedge

The Sharp End of the Wedge is a mental model for sequencing work, specifically tailored for founders and builders who ne…

The Beginner's Mind

In the context of building complex systems and navigating new technologies, the Beginner’s Mind is not about being a nov…

80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

The 80/20 Rule, or Pareto Principle, is the observation that in almost any system, the relationship between inputs and o…

Shopping Mindset

The Shopping Mindset is a fundamental shift in how you approach the construction of a technical product. It is the trans…

Bias Toward Motion

Bias Toward Motion is the strategic preference for action over deliberation. In the context of building systems and scal…

The Wheel That Turns

The Wheel That Turns is the central engine of professional evolution. It is a mental model that describes a self-reinfor…

You Will Build This Again (YWBTA)

"You Will Build This Again" (YWBTA) is a fundamental shift in how we perceive the lifecycle and "solidity" of software.…

AI as an Extension of Low Code Philosophy

AI as an Extension of Low Code Philosophy is a mental model that views Artificial Intelligence not as a separate, magica…

Be Curious, Not Judgmental

"Be Curious, Not Judgmental" is a fundamental mental model that governs how a builder interacts with technology, obstacl…

Be Curious

Bias for Action (The "One-Two" Approach)

The "One-Two" Approach is a mental model designed to bridge the gap between analysis paralysis and aimless effort. At it…

Curiosity Over Judgment

Curiosity

Curiosity, within the State Change framework, is not a passive personality trait or a casual interest in trivia. It is a…

DEAL Framework

Domain Expertise + Technical Knowledge

The mental model of Domain Expertise + Technical Knowledge is the recognition that high-leverage software development is…

Early Shipping Philosophy

Early Shipping Philosophy is a fundamental commitment to collapsing the distance between a developer’s keyboard and a us…

Focus on Shipping

Focus on Shipping is the discipline of prioritizing the delivery of functional software into the hands of real users abo…

Future Self is Smarter

The mental model **Future Self is Smarter** is a temporal shift in perspective that requires you to view your current kn…

Growth & Learning Mindset

The Growth & Learning Mindset is the foundational operating system for anyone navigating the rapidly shifting landscape…

Growth Mindset on Technology Change

Growth Mindset on Technology Change is the fundamental psychological shift from viewing technical skills as static asset…

Just Do It (JFDI)

Just Do It (JFDI) isn't just a motivational slogan for athletes; in the context of building and problem-solving, it is a…

Knowledge Transfer Approach

The Knowledge Transfer Approach is a fundamental shift in how you view the output of your development process. Most foun…

The Lego Building Block Analogy

The Lego Building Block Analogy is a mental model for system design and problem-solving that prioritizes assembly over i…

look-inside-and-outside

Low Code as an Evolution of Abstraction

The mental model of "Low Code as an Evolution of Abstraction" reframes how we view modern visual development tools. Rath…

Mental Model for Shipping Products Faster

The One-Two Time Discipline

The One-Two Time Discipline is a rigid yet responsive framework for managing cognitive energy and task progression. At i…

Pragmatic Problem-Solving

Pragmatic Problem-Solving is the foundational mindset for anyone working in technical environments, particularly where c…

Prioritize Time-to-Ship over Efficiency

Prioritizing Time-to-Ship over Efficiency is the strategic decision to favor the speed of delivery and the immediate rea…

The Reviewing-for-Clarity Effect

The Reviewing-for-Clarity Effect is a cognitive forcing function that occurs when you transition from "thinking about a…

separation-of-concerns

Skateboard to Car Progression

The **Skateboard to Car Progression** is a mental model for product development and problem-solving that prioritizes imm…

Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast

"Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast" is a mental model that prioritizes the quality of execution over the raw speed of activ…

Speed Over Perfection

Speed Over Perfection is a strategic prioritization of time-to-market and iterative learning over the exhaustive pursuit…

Structured Help Request

A Structured Help Request is a standardized protocol for communicating technical difficulties to a peer, mentor, or supp…

Swallow the Frog

"Swallow the Frog" is a deceptive-in-its-simplicity productivity practice that dictates a specific sequence for your wor…

The Three Pillars of Low Code Tool Evaluation

The Three Pillars of Low Code Tool Evaluation is a diagnostic framework designed to move beyond the marketing "hype" of…

The Wheel

The Wheel is a mental model that reframes how we perceive and measure progress in high-uncertainty environments. In the…