How do you apply Choosing Important Problems?

To apply Choosing Important Problems, identify situations where this framework is relevant, then use it as a lens to evaluate your options and decisions. The model is most useful when combined with other complementary mental models.

What category does Choosing Important Problems fall under?

Choosing Important Problems falls under the High Performance & Learning category of mental models. Other models in this category can be found on the High Performance & Learning hub page.

Why is Choosing Important Problems important?

Choosing Important Problems is important because it provides a structured way to think about problems that would otherwise be approached with intuition alone. Understanding this model helps you avoid common reasoning errors and make better decisions.

High Performance & Learning

Choosing Important Problems

High Performance & Learning · Richard Hamming

1 min read

Overview

The most important decision in any career or research agenda is which problems to work on. Working hard on the wrong problem is worse than working moderately on the right one.

How to cite

Faster Than Normal. “Choosing Important Problems Mental Model.” fasterthannormal.co/mental-models/choosing-important-problems. Accessed 2026.

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