Decision Stacking: How Founders Use Mental Models in Layers

Using one mental model is a good start.
Stacking them? That’s how you win.

Most solo founders learn a few mental models, apply them in isolation, then wonder why clarity fades.

But the most effective builders don’t think in silos.
They layer models together—on purpose.

It’s like compound interest for your thinking.

Here’s how to do it.

Why Single-Model Thinking Isn’t Enough

Let’s say you’re facing a tough call:
Should I build this new idea, or stay focused on what I’ve already started?

You remember:

“Opportunity Cost! If I build this, I’m giving up something else.”

That’s helpful. But partial.

What if you also asked:

• “What does the second-order effect of this decision look like?”
• “What would I do if I applied Inversion to avoid failure?”
• “Am I chasing this idea out of confirmation bias?”

Each model gives you one lens.
Stacked together, they give you depth.

How to Stack Models (with Examples)

Let’s walk through 3 common founder decisions—and how to layer models to get clear fast.

💡 Scenario 1: “Should I build this new offer?”

Model 1: Opportunity Cost

What will I not be doing if I pursue this?

Model 2: Second-Order Thinking

What happens if it works? What if it doesn't?

Model 3: Inversion

What would guarantee this fails? How do I avoid that?

Stacked Insight:
This idea might feel exciting, but it's stealing energy from your current validated product—and it creates long-term support debt if it takes off.
Better to test a tiny version first (→ Tiny Bets).

💡 Scenario 2: “Should I change my pricing?”

Model 1: First Principles Thinking

What value am I really offering—and what’s the customer paying for?

Model 2: Leverage

Will this let me earn more from the same effort?

Model 3: Skin in the Game

Am I charging in a way that reflects confidence in the results?

Stacked Insight:
Raising price is about positioning and perceived risk. If the offer is strong, pricing higher actually increases commitment and perceived value—without requiring more work.

💡 Scenario 3: “Why am I stuck and not making progress?”

Model 1: Feedback Loops

Am I getting real signal—or just guessing?

Model 2: 80/20 Rule

What’s the small % of tasks that drive results?

Model 3: Confirmation Bias

Am I ignoring what’s not working?

Stacked Insight:
You’re likely stuck because you’re busy, not focused.
You’re acting on internal beliefs, not external proof.
The fix? Simplify your feedback loop, cut dead-weight tasks, and go get a real signal.

How to Build Your Own Decision Stack

Before your next big call, ask:

1. What’s the main decision I’m facing?
2. Which model gives me clarity on the trade-offs?
   → Opportunity Cost, First Principles, Leverage
3. Which model shows the long-term consequences?
   → Second-Order Thinking, Compound Interest
4. Which model protects me from traps?
   → Confirmation Bias, Sunk Cost, Inversion
5. Which model grounds this in reality?
   → Feedback Loops, Skin in the Game

Write down your answers. Look for patterns.
Then move forward—not with guesswork, but with a thinking system.

Final Thought: One Model Is Good. A Stack Is Strategy.

Clear thinking isn’t about finding the one perfect mental model.
It’s about using the right ones—together—at the right time.

Stacking models gives you:

• Depth over surface
• Direction over distraction
• Strategy over scattered action

You don’t need to think harder.
You need to think in layers—and move with confidence.