{"id":92206,"date":"2026-04-05T07:58:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T12:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/?p=92206"},"modified":"2026-04-05T07:58:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T12:58:16","slug":"10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html","title":{"rendered":"10 Mental Models Developers Can Use to Get Unstuck"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a title=\"10 Mental Models Developers Can Use to Get Unstuck\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sitepoint.com\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck\/?utm_source=rss\" rel=\"nofollow\"><br \/>\n<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"webfeedsFeaturedVisual\" style=\"margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/uploads.sitepoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/1644916473mentalmodels.jpg?w=993&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Mental Models\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Start experimenting with ten mental models you can use to get unstuck, look at difficult problems from new angles, verify your assumptions, and understand systems more deeply.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>How do you quickly recover when you\u2019re stuck in a rut?<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, you could sit down and brainstorm solutions. Unfortunately, it may take time for inspiration to come when solving a complicated challenge with your code.<\/p>\n<p>What can we do to think better and solve problems faster?<\/p>\n<p>Whether you want to identify the root cause of a problem or understand the ideal way to prioritize, mental models could offer valuable insights.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#What_Is_a_Mental_Model\" >What Is a Mental Model?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#How_Do_Mental_Models_Help_Developers_Think_Better\" >How Do Mental Models Help Developers Think Better?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Mental_Model_1_Rubber_Ducking\" >Mental Model 1: Rubber Ducking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Model_2_Circle_of_Competence\" >Model\u00a02: Circle of Competence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Model_3_Feedback_Loops\" >Model\u00a03: Feedback Loops<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Model_4_Mindmaps\" >Model\u00a04: Mindmaps<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Model_5_Hill_Charts\" >Model\u00a05: Hill Charts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Model_6_Parkinsons_Law\" >Model\u00a06: Parkinson\u2019s Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Model_7_5_Whys\" >Model\u00a07: 5 Whys<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Model_8_Inversion\" >Model\u00a08: Inversion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Model_9_Occams_Razor\" >Model\u00a09: Occam\u2019s Razor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck.html\/#Pick_the_Right_Mental_Model\" >Pick the Right Mental Model<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-a-mental-model\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Mental_Model\"><\/span><strong>What Is a Mental Model?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mental models are frameworks that can help us comprehend ideas or make sense of the world. It lets us identify cognitive biases, why we think the way we do, and how we rationalize concepts.<\/p>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_content_1\" class=\"sitepoint_content proper-dynamic-insertion\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_dynamic_1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"h-how-do-mental-models-help-developers-think-better\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_Mental_Models_Help_Developers_Think_Better\"><\/span><strong>How Do Mental Models Help Developers Think Better?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Our brains\u2019 mental models determine the quality of our thoughts. Understanding which mental model best fits a situation can help you work and think smarter.<\/p>\n<p>For developers, mental models can benefit your productivity and efficiency. It could enable you to understand the problem, correct high-level issues in the code, and avoid potential bugs.<\/p>\n<p>Consider this scenario.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019re in the zone and writing code at a fast pace when something goes wrong. You check the source code, iterate potential solutions, invoke a debugger, or analyze stack traces.<\/p>\n<p>When done right, you can find the root cause of the issue. But this can take a lot of time and effort.<\/p>\n<p>Now, consider an alternative scenario.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s say you encountered a problem with a code.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of using a variety of random strategies, you can analyze the mental model of a system. Think about the conditions that led to the bug and find areas where the code isn\u2019t aligned with the mental model.<\/p>\n<p>A developer could identify the solution even without a Google search with this approach.<\/p>\n<p>Now, what are the mental models that can help you get unstuck? Here are some notable mental models for developers that can help you get the job done.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-mental-model-1-rubber-ducking\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mental_Model_1_Rubber_Ducking\"><\/span>Mental Model 1<strong>: Rubber Ducking<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Rubber ducking is a shorter term for \u201crubber duck debugging.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The concept originated from a tale wherein a programmer described their code line-by-line to a rubber duck.<\/p>\n<p>While its original inspiration seems odd, the rationale is simple.<\/p>\n<p>Explaining your code to another individual or an inanimate object lets you break down the problem and determine where you got stuck. You\u2019re compelled to think outside the box.<\/p>\n<p>Eventually, you\u2019ll arrive at the point where you went wrong with your code.<\/p>\n<p>Just to clarify, you don\u2019t need to talk to an actual rubber duck or a toy plushie to get this done. You can also gain valuable insights by rubber ducking with a colleague or a friend. As you attempt to explain your code in-depth, they might brainstorm potential solutions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_content_2\" class=\"sitepoint_content proper-dynamic-insertion\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_dynamic_2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"h-model-2-circle-of-competence\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_2_Circle_of_Competence\"><\/span>Model\u00a0<strong>2: Circle of Competence<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Circle of Competence is about differentiating \u201cwhat you know\u201d from \u201cwhat you don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/0x5VWZcP1Jzo4y8zH_rJ3C8ohRCj4FP3Wom0i0JHerHlw49XLrpudpPPcd_XIC0vcv0rS6NbxXSRLSYbPN92jFhI9I1ltDz2VgfAz8I-dls_ydtCAIoVc1i0bHCz6AC4YXQcLAwU\" alt=\"The Circle of Competence\" width=\"624\" height=\"388\" \/><\/p>\n<p>To put it simply, this mental model helps you remain aware of your areas of expertise. At the same time, you can accept your weaknesses or sectors where you are at a disadvantage.<\/p>\n<p>No matter how long you\u2019ve worked as a developer, you won\u2019t be able to know everything.<\/p>\n<p>An example would be a gaming developer moving on as a developer in the finance industry.<\/p>\n<p>You need to be proficient in C# and C++, user interface design, and program terrains or AI for non-playable characters as a game developer. Some of these skills may be useful in your current role, but you later discover you need to understand bank laws or manage security services too.<\/p>\n<p>With the Circle of Competence, developers can predict the challenges they may encounter when starting a new project or moving on to a new job. Once you know what\u2019s outside the circle, you can seek help or contact experts that could help you conquer the areas where you\u2019re not confident.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-model-3-feedback-loops\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_3_Feedback_Loops\"><\/span>Model\u00a0<strong>3: Feedback Loops<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A feedback loop happens when an output of a system re-enters the system as inputs.<\/p>\n<p>It usually occurs in the \u201c<em>plan-do-check-act<\/em>\u00a0(PDCA) cycle,\u201d an iterative process for improving products and services.<\/p>\n<p>This process involves four steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Plan<\/strong>: Determining what needs to be done<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do<\/strong>: Following the initial plan<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check<\/strong>: Assessing your plan\u2019s execution and evaluating its effectiveness<\/li>\n<li><strong>Act<\/strong>: Putting the plan into action<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In software development, feedback loops can occur during the development phase.<\/p>\n<p>This process may involve aggregating feedback from a sample group of customers to determine whether the output solves what it\u2019s intended to. Otherwise, we may waste time and money in the development phase without satisfying customer expectations.<\/p>\n<p>Developers may apply feedback loops during pair programming or code reviews.<\/p>\n<p>Imagine a junior developer writing the code while a senior developer reviews it. The process improves the skills of junior developers, helps identify bugs, and improves subsequent outputs of the team.<\/p>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_content_3\" class=\"sitepoint_content proper-dynamic-insertion\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_dynamic_3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"h-model-4-mindmaps\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_4_Mindmaps\"><\/span>Model\u00a0<strong>4: Mindmaps<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A mindmap is a diagram that offers a visual representation of concepts or ideas.<\/p>\n<p>Try kicking off a project by making a mindmap. Begin with a central idea or concept. It might be the main problem or the project\u2019s title.<\/p>\n<p>Next, you can add branches or subtopics related to the central concept. These could be the main tasks that need to be done by each team.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/2zC5bqXnpD_NcQH-EzjP6lWQokPHDD0TkbU5JXbA3oDDr4kQWe3rbhG2DuUaamNTgXff19e7a2X_7jioloy3Iby0gMeku-RiCb59ZoNFe4Jz-hNgnTkic5uNtbCuMgnqFX8uOFVb\" alt=\"Mind maps\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>You can then add more subtopics or branches. These could encompass tasks assigned to each member, contributing to the overarching goal.<\/p>\n<p>A mind map is also helpful in the testing process in software development. Testers could use it to explore an application and list passed or failed tests.<\/p>\n<p>Along the way, you could even include questions in the sub-branches. This way, the feedback and issues are organized in an easy-to-understand format.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-model-5-hill-charts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_5_Hill_Charts\"><\/span>Model\u00a0<strong>5: Hill Charts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hill charts are a mental model that can help you identify what\u2019s in motion and what\u2019s stuck.<\/p>\n<p>Like the shape of a hill, the chart is composed of two phases \u2013 an uphill slope and a downward slope.<\/p>\n<p>The first phase is \u201cFiguring Things Out,\u201d situated on the uphill slope. At this stage, you have a basic understanding of the project, but you still need to settle some unknowns or finalize your overall strategy.<\/p>\n<p>As time goes by, you\u2019ll eventually reach a point where you\u2019re ready to put your strategy into action. Then, the downhill phase is about \u201cMaking it Happen\u201d or implementation.<\/p>\n<p>Developers can utilize Hill charts by coming up with to-do lists for their projects. As you fulfill or add more items on the list, identify where they should be situated on the Hill chart.<\/p>\n<p>Senior developers working on multiple projects or managing several teams can use this to gauge where a team is focusing its efforts. It could also help identify stuck groups and what they need to move forward.<\/p>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_content_4\" class=\"sitepoint_content proper-dynamic-insertion\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_dynamic_4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"h-model-6-parkinson-s-law\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_6_Parkinsons_Law\"><\/span>Model\u00a0<strong>6: Parkinson\u2019s Law<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Parkinson\u2019s law is a mental model which states that work expands to fill the time allotted.<\/p>\n<p>Take, for instance, a developer team that\u2019s given three weeks to add or tweak a specific feature in the product. The team is delighted to find that they have more than enough time to finish the project. They start slow and require three weeks to complete the task, but they discover more issues to finish after receiving feedback.<\/p>\n<p>Parkinson\u2019s law states that teams should set deadlines for maximum efficiency, even if they\u2019re imperfect.<\/p>\n<p>In the first example, the team seems too relaxed because of the illusion of time. Questions and minor tweaks could slow them down, but the output may still be imperfect.<\/p>\n<p>However, if they were allotted a realistic two-week deadline, the same team could get more done in less time. They\u2019ll even have sufficient time to work on feedback from testing, if necessary.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-model-7-5-whys\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_7_5_Whys\"><\/span>Model\u00a0<strong>7: 5 Whys<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The 5 Whys is a mental model which requires asking \u201cWhy\u201d five times.<\/p>\n<p>The rationale is when you identify a problem, the most obvious solution may not address the root cause of the issue.<\/p>\n<p>Identifying the leading cause will enable developers to save time and effort. Otherwise, they would merely apply band-aid solutions while the real problem is left unaddressed.<\/p>\n<p>An example that seems relatable to developers could be the following:<\/p>\n<p>Why couldn\u2019t the user access the calendar feature in the app? There was a bug in the recent update.<\/p>\n<p>What led to the bug in the recent update? The team was unable to test all the features. Why was the team unable to test all the features? New testers on the team were unable to test all the features properly.<\/p>\n<p>Why did new testers fail to perform well? They were also not provided with resources and adequate training. Why were they not provided with proper training and resources? Most new testers worked remotely.<\/p>\n<p>The team in charge of training them is having a hard time because there\u2019s no tried and tested onboarding process yet for fully-remote workers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_content_5\" class=\"sitepoint_content proper-dynamic-insertion\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_dynamic_5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"h-model-8-inversion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_8_Inversion\"><\/span>Model\u00a0<strong>8: Inversion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>During the problem-solving process, we often think forward.<\/p>\n<p>This may be effective when solving simple issues. However, it may be challenging to tackle a complicated issue that needs to be broken down.<\/p>\n<p>Inversion helps us break down problems and brainstorm solutions by thinking backward.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s say your software product has launched a free trial to boost your customer base. Yet, the free trial conversion rate is only a dismal 2%.<\/p>\n<p>The standard thought process for brainstorming solutions would involve asking,\u00a0<em>\u201cWhat can I do to get more people to use my product even after the free trial ends?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Instead of thinking forward, invert the problem and ask,\u00a0<em>\u201cWhich features did users try the most during the free trial? How can we improve the user experience in our free plan?\u201d\u009d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The solution to the first problem may solely involve improving your onboarding experience and creating tutorials. Yet, you may uncover underlying issues that significantly contribute to the low conversion rate by inverting the problem.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-model-9-occam-s-razor\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_9_Occams_Razor\"><\/span>Model\u00a0<strong>9: Occam\u2019s Razor<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Occam\u2019s Razor, also known as the law of parsimony, is a mental model for problem-solving. To put it simply, the model states that when there are several ways to solve a problem, the simplest solution is likely more correct and ideal.<\/p>\n<p>Consider a developer that can write both simple and complex code to accomplish the same outcome. Even if two options exist, the most ideal would be the simpler code because it is faster to review and easier to update.<\/p>\n<p>While the result is the same, the more straightforward solution is easier to execute and more advantageous in the long run.<\/p>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_content_6\" class=\"sitepoint_content proper-dynamic-insertion\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"proper-ad-unit\">\n<div id=\"proper-ad-sitepoint_dynamic_6\"><span style=\"font-size: 2.678em;\">Model <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: 2.678em;\">10: Lean Startup<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lean Startup involves the build-measure-learn feedback loop.<\/p>\n<p>Most startups start with a great idea, but it can take weeks or months to realize this product.<\/p>\n<p>Lean Startup processes solve this problem by encouraging the development of a minimum viable product (MVP) that potential customers can test.<\/p>\n<p>Once selected target customers try it, the startup will measure results and ask for feedback. The cycle continues until the startup has a high-quality product that they can confidently release en masse to target consumers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><figcaption>Lean Startup process<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The team can build the ideal product with continuous feedback from target consumers. Otherwise, it could take weeks or months for startups to get a product beta tested.<\/p>\n<p>Worse, they may discover significant issues during the testing process. However, they\u2019ve already invested thousands of dollars into building a product and can\u2019t afford to stay in this stage for a more extended period.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-pick-the-right-mental-model\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pick_the_Right_Mental_Model\"><\/span><strong>Pick the Right Mental Model<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding the right mental model for each situation helps us work smarter, not harder.<\/p>\n<p>Dealing with a complicated issue can cost us a lot of time and effort. Mental models help us break down the big problem into much smaller ones. This way, we can get to the heart of the matter and develop the most practical solutions.<\/p>\n<p>I know it may take time to ingrain these mental models in your daily life. But once you learn the process and actualize it, you can instantly get unstuck and steered in the right direction.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sitepoint.com\/10-mental-models-developers-can-use-to-get-unstuck\/?utm_source=rss\" rel=\"nofollow\">10 Mental Models Developers Can Use to Get Unstuck<\/a><br \/>\non <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sitepoint.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">SitePoint<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"flex-shrink-0 h-20 w-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sitepoint.com\/author\/mdanao\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"h-full w-full object-cover rounded-full\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/01256174fda7205718a58d02ab9e6434?s=96&amp;#038;d=mm&amp;#038;r=g\" alt=\"Monique Danao\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div>\n<p><a class=\"font-bold transition-colors text-body hover:text-gray-400\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sitepoint.com\/author\/mdanao\/\">Monique Danao<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-0\">Monique Danao is a contributing writer for Sitepoint. She writes about tech, social media, content marketing, and ecommerce.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Source: Site Point<\/p>\n<p id=\"kc_opp\"><small>Republished by  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogtrafficexchange.com\/\">Blog Post Promoter<\/a><\/small><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Start experimenting with ten mental models you can use to get unstuck, look at difficult problems from new angles, verify your assumptions, and &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":92207,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[128],"class_list":["post-92206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-head-start","tag-advantage"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/1644916473mentalmodels.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3k0YU-nZc","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":92529,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/05\/playing-the-game-breaking-the-bias-with-women-influencers-in-sports-and-gaming.html","url_meta":{"origin":92206,"position":0},"title":"Playing the game: Breaking the bias with women influencers in sports and gaming","author":"admin","date":"May 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"When you do a search for top influencers, chances are the usual suspects will come up first: people in movies and music. This month, many brands are celebrating women, with many embracing the #breakingthebias theme of International Women\u2019s Day. With the ongoing fight for women\u2019s rights globally, brands can amplify\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;A Few Things&quot;","block_context":{"text":"A Few Things","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/category\/a-few-things"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":93735,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/how-to-plan-a-remote-work-cation-to-boost-mental-health.html","url_meta":{"origin":92206,"position":1},"title":"How to plan a remote work-cation to boost mental health","author":"admin","date":"April 28, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"There\u2019s so much inherent flexibility to the remote work lifestyle, but does that freedom ever feel like a distant memory? After working the same hours in the same space (and maybe even the same clothes) for too long, it\u2019s natural to reminisce about the honeymoon phase of working online. So\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;E-business &amp; E-marketing&quot;","block_context":{"text":"E-business &amp; E-marketing","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/category\/ebusiness-emarketing"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":92874,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/how-to-learn-javascript-fast-six-simple-mind-tricks.html","url_meta":{"origin":92206,"position":2},"title":"How to Learn JavaScript Fast: Six Simple Mind Tricks","author":"admin","date":"April 14, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Learning always takes more time than we'd like. If you\u2019re learning JavaScript, these six mental tricks will help you get there faster. Continue reading How to Learn JavaScript Fast: Six Simple Mind Tricks on SitePoint. Source: Site Point","rel":"","context":"In &quot;E-business &amp; E-marketing&quot;","block_context":{"text":"E-business &amp; E-marketing","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/category\/ebusiness-emarketing"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/1652327675learnjsfast.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/1652327675learnjsfast.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/1652327675learnjsfast.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/1652327675learnjsfast.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/1652327675learnjsfast.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":92648,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/what-you-can-learn-from-picky-design-clients.html","url_meta":{"origin":92206,"position":3},"title":"What You Can Learn from Picky Design Clients","author":"admin","date":"April 19, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Every designer has run into \u201cthat\u201d client. The one who dissects every aspect of your work and asks you to change the same thing a dozen times. It\u2019s as if there\u2019s no way to please them. They can be incredibly difficult to deal with. 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