(Aka how Munger has all foiled)
Charlie Munger did not believe in magic towers.
He thought he was thinking better.
No faster. No more difficult.
Better.
He said one day, “The best thing that a human being can do is help another human being to know more.
“This is exactly what he did – collecting mental models as tools like tools in a hangar.
While the rest of the world continued motivation and morning routines,
Munger built a frame for decision -making so clear that he cut the noise directly.
No productivity hacks. No Instagram quotes. Just timeless reflection tools.
Because when your brain works well, everything else becomes easier.
Most people never take the time to learn to think. They react. Decide. Hope for the best.
But not you.
Today, you are about to sharpen your brain with 3 of Charlie's favorite tools:
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The 80/20 rule: so that you can stop waste your life on things that do not move the needle
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Cost cost error: so you don't let your past trap your future
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Parkinson law: so you stop transforming each task into a black hole that follows time
Each of them can change the way you work, decide and live.
Use them correctly, and you will start to see the world as Munger
—Clearrier. Smarter. And with much less nonsense.
Let's build your mental toolbox.
1. Rule 80/20
Stop making 80% of shit that does not matter.
80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts.
You've heard that. But do you really live it?
Look at your calendar.
Look at your task list.
Now be brutally honest: what really moves the needle?
Most of what you do is not productive – it is just “productive appearance.
“Busy is not the same as effective.
🧠 Use it like this:
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Spend 80% of your energy for 20% of the work that provides the most important results
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Cut customers, tasks or habits that drain your time but bring little return
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Focus on a key thing every day that facilitates everything else or not relevant
📌 Pro advice: the 80/20 rule does not only apply to work. 80% of your stress probably comes from 20% of your choices. Start cutting.
2. The cost cost error
Just because you bought the ticket you need to sit in the whole horrible movie.
You have invested time, money, energy in something.
And now it doesn't work. But you continue because … “I came so far.”
It is not a commitment.
It is the fear of wearing productivity clothes.
The truth? If it no longer serves you, it costs you.
🧠 Use it like this:
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Ask: “Knowing what I know now, do I start again?”
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If the answer is no, go.
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Ignore guilt – the costs of the surface have already left. Your future is not.
📌 True conversation: Most people lose years to continue something they should have left months ago. Do not let your past trap your potential.
3. Parkinson law
Give yourself all day and it will take all day.
The work develops to fill the time you give it.
This is why you always finish this report 15 minutes before it is due, constantly when you started.
Do you want to work faster and smarter? Reduce your deadlines.
🧠 Use it like this:
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Attach artificial deadlines for yourself
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Use timers (pomodoros, 90 -minute sprints, etc.)
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Give your brain constraints – she is thriving there
📌 Reminder: you don't need more time. You need tighter containers and less distractions.
Overview
Charlie Munger has not only used mental models – he built a system of thought that has drawn from psychology, physics, biology, economics and history.
He understood that no field contains all the answers.
This is why he collected models such as a canned survivist hoarding.
Munger's state of mind:
“For humans with only a hammer, each problem looks like a nail.”
Your work? Do not be the guy of the hammer.
Create a toolbox and learn when to use what.
If you want to continue upgrading your brain, start here:
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🧠 Poor Almanack Charlie – Charlie in his own words (plus Buffett's fanboying)
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🧠 Super thought – a brilliant compilation of mental models
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🧠 Think in bets – Ideal for decision -making in uncertainty
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🧠 Large mental models by Shane Parrish – Tactic and visual
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🧠 How to avoid stupid decisions – Not yet a real book, but maybe you will write it after that
Final thought
The mental models will not make you a genius.
But they will make sure you stop making the same stupid decisions over and over.
It is progress.
Charlie Munger did not count on speed, charisma or talent.
He relied on a better thought.
You can do the same.
And if you read this, you've already started.
🧠 Use the models.
🔧 Create the toolbox.
🚫 Avoid stupid stuff.
It is not magical. This is the strategy.
Until the next time,
Benoit
