How to reframe a mental model to get unstuck
Photo by Kaylah Matthews on Unsplash
Summary: Mental models are beliefs about how the world works that influence decisions, interactions, and interpretations. Everyone has mental models formed through their life experiences that manifest through self-talk. Identifying and reframing limiting mental models by considering advantages, disadvantages and alternative perspectives can improve mindset and strengthen leadership.
Mental models are the beliefs and assumptions we hold about how the world works. They inform how we make decisions, interact with others, lead teams, and react to particular situations. In addition to informing how we react in the present, they can also influence how we interpret the past and envision the future.
Everyone has mental models, many of which were formed during childhood. They often emerge as themes in our internal self-talk when we’re conversing with others, faced with a challenge or opportunity, or giving or receiving feedback.
Examples of mental models
Some common mental models include:
Failure is a sign of weakness.
It’s important to please others.
I don’t want to get found out.
If I want something done right, I must do it myself.
Criticism means I’m not “cutting it.”
Every mental model has both advantages and disadvantages. After all, there’s a reason we hang on to mental models for long periods of time. However, it’s important to increase awareness around how our mental models are influencing our actions and whether those actions currently align with our values and goals.
In these moments, I find it particularly helpful to complete a mental model reframing exercise. I personally have completed this exercise for multiple mental models that were preventing me from growing in my career. I walked away with easy-to-remember affirmations that I can repeat to myself as needed.
How it works
During the exercise, you’ll start by thinking through the upsides and downsides of a particular mental model. How has it been serving you? How has it been holding you back? Write down all of your responses so that you can reference them in the next step.
Once you generate a list of advantages and disadvantages, you’re ready to consider new ways of looking at your mental model. Given all of the information you generated, how could you reframe the mental model to best serve you in the future? Short, succinct reframes that are in your own voice are often the most enduring and easy to remember. If you adopted this reframed mental model, what would that look like to yourself and to others?
As an example, I’ve included what reframing a mental model might look like below.
Facing mental models head on can be uncomfortable and challenging at times, considering the large role they play in our lives. However, completing this exercise and brainstorming ways to reframe limiting beliefs that may be holding you back can help you improve your mindset and strengthen your leadership.
