There is no doubt that the view you have about the world around you can have an impact on how life unfolds itself. For people to grow and live happy lives, they have to master the art of creating and adopting the right images in their minds. Ultimately, the images that we develop help to shape the lives that we yearn to live while at the same time limiting us from experiencing harsh life events caused by the poor decisions that we make. This article will take you through an in-depth look into what mental models are and how they can affect your life.
Defining Mental Models
Simply put, mental models refers to the way people view or interpret the world around them. Based on the experiences and the societies that we have been raised in, people have varying perceptions and interpretations of this world. The mental models that people have in their minds help them to evaluate what is going on around them and make relevant decisions. There are several notable characteristics that are evident in a mental model.
● Interprets
First, a mental model provides an interpretation of what has been seen or observed. These include events, circumstances, people, and relationships that people have been through. In this regard, mental models will give people the assumption that things, events or circumstances are objective reality. The observations made are not facts, but they are just stories that have been developed based on our understanding of the world around us.
● Disguises
Secondly, mental models disguise the interpretations that we have and it makes us believe that it’s the truthful reality. This is done by providing us with justifications and shared views that we tend to believe they are true.
● Determines
In line with the perceptions that we have in our minds, mental models determine possible occurrences as a result of what we choose to believe.
● Dictates
More importantly, mental models dictate the behaviors and attitudes that we adopt following the interpretations that we make. So, this shows that mental models have a direct impact on our lives. Depending on the attitude that one will be taking, they could either choose to view life from a positive or a negative perspective.
Mental models can be applied to our everyday lives. Whether in business, psychology or in the technological world, these models help us to better understand the world around us. It is through the theoretical and practical knowledge gained from these models that individuals can explain the way they are living. For instance, in the world of business, mental models are helpful as they define how people strive to shop economically. Likewise, investors have to comprehend mental models held by their consumers to effectively meet their demands.
Before making any decisions, people reflect on their mental models. Let’s take an ordinary example of a man buying flowers for their spouse on Valentine’s day. When heading to the store, he will have a specific budget in mind. Chances are he would want to stick to his budget due to other expenses that he might incur on his way home. However, on arriving at the flower shop, the man notices a bigger bouquet that is more appealing than what he had in mind. He decides to purchase the bigger bouquet because at the back of his mind, he understands that his wife will be more delighted. Therefore, in this scenario, the man makes a decision that is influenced by his mental model. The mental model here is based on his knowledge and understanding.
