A few weeks ago, I compiled a list of mental models and organizational systems that I use in work and daily life. Digging deeper into some of the writing behind mental model theory, I came across a contrarian view from Cedric Chin on the dangers of adopting systems from outside one’s field of practice if they aren’t grounded in genuine practice:

As it is for MMA fighters, so it is for business, software engineering, investing, decision making, and life.

The upshot of this argument is this: don’t read blogs written by non-practitioners, spouting insights that aren’t related to their field of practice. Don’t read Farnam Street. Don’t read self-help hacks on Medium who haven’t achieved much in life.  Hell, don’t read this blog — especially if your career goals diverge from mine. I have little to offer you that practice cannot.

Instead read from the source material of practitioners in fields you inhabit, copy their actions, climb their skill trees, and reflect through trial and error.

You can read more on Cedric’s thoughts on mental models here (shorter version) and here (longer version).

In a few months I aim to revisit my original mental models post from a few weeks ago to explore which of them have stood the test of time and which I may have been premature in citing.

I’m glad to have written about what I’ve been up to since the start of quarantine, since it demonstrates that I have skin in the game and am an actual practitioner. The vast majority of musicians are only trained in the art of performing and understanding music. The challenge of owning a small business in the arts is that you do have to learn skills outside your field, and university education doesn’t prepare you for this.

(Image by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash)