Examining Yourself for Poor Schemas and Weak Mental Models
People tend to hold onto old beliefs, which influence attitudes and behaviors. To improve, one must examine and identify poor schemas and weak mental models, as awareness is the first step in self-improvement.
THE IDEA
Examining Yourself for Poor Schemas and Weak Mental Models
Old beliefs can shape your attitudes and behavior without your noticing. Examine your schemas and mental models to see whether they still serve you well and which ones need to change.
The source introduces an activity for identifying these schemas, but the activity’s steps are not included in this excerpt.
When to use it
When learning a new skill, examine if past failures are creating a schema of incompetence that hinders progress.
In decision-making, check for mental models that might bias your choices based on old experiences.
During self-reflection, identify recurring negative thoughts and trace them back to underlying schemas.
When giving feedback, consider if your own mental models about a person or task are coloring your perspective.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Challenging a Math Schema
A person who believes they are not good at math might avoid math-related tasks. By examining this schema, they can challenge its validity and seek improvement through practice and education.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What is a deeply held belief that might be outdated or limiting your growth?
How can you identify a schema that is negatively influencing your behavior without your awareness?
Think of a recent decision you made. What mental model might have driven it, and was it helpful?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)