5 Mental Models to Think Like a Strategic Genius

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Think Like a Strategic Genius Using 5 Mental Models

1. Control the Center

• In strategic thinking, controlling the center is crucial, just like in a game of chess.
• The player who controls the central squares has a significant advantage as their pieces have maximum influence.
• Think of it as having the high ground, giving you more reach without necessarily exposing yourself to more risk.
• Ask yourself where the center of the board is and what you need to do to get your pieces there for maximum impact.

2. Understand the True Value of a Piece

• In chess, all pieces have different values, ranging from pawns to the queen.
• Understanding the value of each piece helps you assess the strength of your army at any given moment.
• Consider the dynamics of the board and how the position of your pieces affects their influence and value.

3. Position Before Submission

• Prioritize controlling the position before going for the submission in various aspects of life, such as weight loss or business decisions.
• Avoid fixating on quick fixes or hacks and focus on setting up your life in a way that naturally leads to your goals.
• Seek help from others who can assist you in achieving your objectives, emphasizing the importance of environment design.

4. Owning the Initiative

• Determine who is dictating the action and who is reacting in a situation to predict the likely victor.
• Momentum plays a significant role in success, as it helps overcome procrastination and leads to sustained progress.
• Understand the balance between activation energy required to start a task and the maintenance energy needed to sustain it over time.

5. Finding the Hardest Move

• Recognize the importance of tactical retreats in games and life, even though they may seem counterintuitive.
• Taking a step back can sometimes be the fastest way to move forward, as demonstrated by strategic decisions like firing a problematic customer to focus on more profitable ones.
• Evaluate your current relationships and commitments to identify areas where a strategic retreat could lead to greater progress.

By applying these five mental models to your decision-making process in both business and life, you can enhance your strategic thinking abilities and make more informed and effective choices. Remember to consider each model in different scenarios to optimize your outcomes and achieve long-term success.