Think like a founder: Mental models to make better startup decisions Copy Copy

Learning goal

Startup life throws a lot at you, fast.
Big calls. Limited info. Constant pressure.
You can’t do everything. But you can think better.

Mental models are shortcuts to sharper thinking.
They help you zoom out, weigh trade-offs, and act with more clarity.

The best founders don’t just grind.
They build a habit of smart decision-making.

Why it matters

1. Decisions shape your startup
   Every step forward (or backward) started with a choice. Better thinking = better outcomes.

2. Working hard without direction burns you out
   Founders have limited time and energy. Mental models help you focus on what matters most.

3. It’s a mindset you can train
   You don’t need to be a genius. You just need tools that keep you grounded when things get messy.

5 mental models every founder should know

1. First principles thinking
   Break things down to their basics. Ask:

   • What are we really trying to solve?

   • What’s the simplest version that still works?

   Instead of copying what others do, rebuild from the ground up.
   This is how lean startups innovate with limited resources.

2. Opportunity cost
   Every yes is a no to something else. Ask:

   • Is this the best use of our time right now?

   • What are we not doing because we chose this?

   Protect your time like it’s your budget, because it is.

3. The 80/20 rule
   80% of your progress usually comes from 20% of your efforts.

   • Which users, features, or tasks actually drive growth?

   • Focus there. Let the rest wait.

   Do less, better.

4. Inversion
   Flip the problem.

   • Instead of “How do we win?”, ask “How could we fail?”

   • Spot the risks. Avoid the obvious traps.

   This helps you prevent mistakes before they happen.

5. Feedback loops
   Fast feedback beats slow perfection.

   • Test early

   • Learn fast

   • Adjust as you go

   Founders who build this habit move smarter and faster than those stuck perfecting on paper.

Quick checklist

You’re building founder thinking if:

• You break ideas into first principles

• You weigh trade-offs before committing

• You double down on what drives growth

• You spot risks early with inversion

• You use testing and feedback as a habit

StellarPH tip

Start your week with this question:
“What’s the one decision I need to make better today?”
Then apply a model. Think deeper. Move smarter.

Your mindset is your startup’s secret weapon.
Train it like a skill, and you’ll build with confidence.