Mental Models For Managing Change - First Principles Thinking

The Inner Game of Change

Hi everyone, and welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.

Before we dive into today’s topic, let’s quickly cover what a mental model actually is.

A mental model is simply a way of thinking — a framework that helps us understand the world, make better decisions, and solve problems more effectively. Think of it like a blueprint for how to approach challenges and navigate complexity.

Here’s a simple analogy: Imagine you are driving to a new destination. Without a map, you could easily take wrong turns, waste time, or even get lost. But with a map — your mental model — you have a clear route to follow, helping you avoid mistakes and arrive faster and with far less stress.

In the same way, mental models give us a clearer path when managing change. They help us break down complexity, anticipate obstacles, and guide us toward better outcomes.

And that brings us to today’s episode, where we’ll explore First Principles Thinking.

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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Chapters

1. Mental Models For Managing Change - First Principles Thinking (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to the Inner Game of Change (00:10:37)

3. Exploring First Principles Thinking (01:08:52)

4. Applying First Principles to Your Challenges (06:32:39)