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Core concepts, mental models, and definitions across the wiki.
1 % Rule Definition Improving by just 1 % each day leads to exponential growth—approximately 37× improvement after one year. Practical Examples Add one extra push‑up each workout. Read one additional page daily. Origins James Clear uses the …
Character Strength Gauge Definition A diagnostic tool that evaluates a person’s long‑term character by observing pattern consistency rather than isolated incidents. Hands‑On Guidance (Step‑by‑Step Test) Pattern Scan: Over a month, log each …
Commitment Device Definition A pre‑commitment that restricts future choices to align behavior with long‑term goals. Example Lock away all clothes except a single shawl (as Victor Hugo did) to force writing. Step‑By‑Step Demonstration: …
Empathic Skill Set Definition A dual‑component toolkit that blends Visceral Empathy (reading body language, tone) with Analytic Empathy (using knowledge of values and background) to lower resistance and anticipate behavior. Practical …
Environment Design Definition Structuring physical surroundings to make desired cues obvious and undesirable cues invisible (choice‑architecture). Practical Example Place a pitcher of water on the kitchen counter and hide soda bottles in …
Farsighted Perspective (Mountain View) Definition A mental model that lifts the thinker out of “tactical hell” to view actions from a high‑altitude, long‑term standpoint. Application Walkthrough Detach: Physically step away (leave the room, …
Five Strategies of Master Persuasion Definition A set of five tactics that gain compliance by confirming a person’s self‑opinion (autonomy, intelligence, goodness) rather than confronting it. Hands‑On Guidance (Strategy Highlights) Mental …
Four Laws of Behavior Change Definition A four‑step framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones: Make it Obvious Make it Attractive Make it Easy Make it Satisfying Practical Examples Make it Obvious – Keep your running shoes by …
Goldilocks Rule Definition Motivation peaks when tasks are at the edge of one’s current abilities—neither too easy nor impossibly hard. Hands‑On Usage Scenario Set a running distance that is ~4 % beyond today’s comfortable mileage; adjust …
Habit Loop Definition A feedback cycle consisting of Cue → Craving → Response → Reward that governs automatic behavior. Step‑By‑Step Demonstration Cue – The trigger (e.g., phone notification). Craving – Anticipation of the reward (e.g., …
Habit Stacking Definition Link a new habit to an existing routine using the formula “After I [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT].” Step‑By‑Step Demonstration Identify a stable anchor (e.g., “brush teeth”). Choose a micro‑habit (e.g., “do …
Identity‑Based Habits Definition Habits formed by aligning actions with the person you want to become, rather than focusing solely on outcomes. Hands‑On Usage Scenarios Morning Routine – Declare “I am a reader.” Place a book on the …
Ladder of Descending Goals Definition A hierarchical goal‑mapping tool that starts from a highest‑order calling and creates a series of concrete, short‑term objectives descending toward the present moment. Practical Example …
Law of Compulsive Behavior Definition Early‑life character implants create recurring behavioral patterns that people replay throughout life, making “character destiny.” Step‑by‑Step Demonstration Identify Repeated Patterns: Track a person’s …
Law of Covetousness Definition Desire intensifies when something appears scarce or withdrawn; strategic withdrawal and rivalry amplify attraction. Practical Example Strategic Withdrawal: When negotiating a partnership, temporarily step …
Law of Defensiveness Definition People resist change when their self‑opinion (autonomy, intelligence, goodness) feels threatened; confirming these self‑views reduces resistance. How to Apply (Case Study) A manager wants a team to adopt a …
Law of Irrationality Definition Human beings are not naturally rational; rationality is a hard‑won skill that must be cultivated against innate emotional and evolutionary biases. Practical Examples Identify Biases: When a colleague’s …
Law of Narcissism Definition All humans exist on a spectrum of self‑absorption; the law distinguishes between destructive “deep” narcissists and functional or healthy narcissists who can channel self‑interest into empathy. Hands‑On Usage …
Law of Role‑Playing Definition People act as consummate actors, wearing social masks to conceal insecurities or hidden agendas; these masks can be read through “leakage” cues. Real‑World Experiences Micro‑Expression Spotting: In a meeting, …
Law of Self‑Sabotage Definition Individuals unconsciously create circumstances or attitudes that undermine their own goals, often through hostile, avoidant, or resentful mindsets. Real‑World Experience Hostile Attitude: A sales rep …
Law of Shortsightedness Definition People become trapped in “tactical hell,” focusing on immediate battles and losing sight of long‑term consequences. Application Walkthrough Detach from Immediate Heat: Physically step away from the …
Marginal Gains Definition The philosophy that small, 1 % improvements across many components compound into large performance jumps. Case Study British Cycling’s systematic optimization of bike ergonomics, nutrition, and sleep transformed …
Plateau of Latent Potential Definition The period where effort accumulates silently; measurable results appear only after a critical threshold is crossed. Real‑World Scenario The British Cycling team pursued 1 % improvements across hundreds …
Practical Grandiosity Model Definition A two‑stage system that translates the innate human craving for significance into concrete, reality‑based achievements. Step‑by‑Step Demonstration Fantasy Phase: Allow yourself to envision a grand …
Reflection and Review Definition Periodic meta‑analysis of habits, goals, and identity to maintain momentum and adjust systems. Case Study Annual Review: Assess what worked, what didn’t, and refine the habit system for the next year. …
Shadow Integration Framework Definition A process for identifying and reclaiming repressed traits (the “Shadow”) so they become authentic sources of power rather than hidden liabilities. Real‑World Experience Spot the Shadow: Notice moments …
Systems over Goals Definition A system is the collection of daily routines and processes that produce outcomes; a goal is merely a desired future result. Prioritizing systems ensures consistent progress regardless of fluctuating motivation. …
Temptation Bundling Definition Pair an action you need to do with an action you want to do, leveraging the attractive habit to motivate the necessary one. Real‑World Scenario Only watch your favorite Netflix show while riding a stationary …
Three‑Step Path to Rationality Definition A three‑stage framework that turns strong emotional reactions into opportunities for rational deliberation. Practical Examples Recognize Biases: When feeling outraged, label the bias (e.g., …
Two‑Minute Rule Definition If a habit takes less than two minutes to start, do it immediately; this creates a “gateway habit” that leads to larger behaviors. How to Apply Running shoes – Put them on each morning (2 min) → later run a full …