Part 1: Welcome to The 80/20 Digest – Your Mental Model Toolkit

The most successful people in the world share one thing in common:

They’ve mastered a small set of mental models that solve most problems.

I’m Steve, and I created The 80/20 Digest to share these powerful thinking tools with you.

This 5-part series will introduce you to some of the most powerful thinking frameworks, helping you make better decisions, optimize key areas of life, and solve problems more effectively.

We’re starting with the 80/20 principle — but not just in the usual way.

Most people know it as:

But in reality, it’s much deeper. It reveals leverage points in every area of life, from fitness to finances to productivity. (I’ve even used it to lower my golf score.)

Instead of relying on willpower or working harder, you’ll learn how to work smarter — in a way that actually works.

What to Expect in This 5-Part Series

Each part will cover a core mental model that transforms the way you approach problems:

• Part 1: Welcome & How to Use This Series – (You’re here!)

• Part 2: First Principles – Break down complex problems to their core elements.

• Part 3: The 80/20 Foundation – Identify the vital few actions that drive most results.

• Part 4: Systems Thinking – Create solutions that work automatically.

• Part 5: Advanced Problem-Solving & Implementation – Combine multiple mental models for powerful results.

After this 5-part foundation, you’ll receive weekly insights exploring real-world applications, advanced strategies, and unexpected ways to think clearer, make better decisions, and build a smarter life.

How to Get the Most From This Series

• Go through each article in order—each concept builds on the last.

• Take notes and reflect on how to apply these ideas to your own life.

• Bookmark this page so you can revisit concepts when needed.

Ready to dive in?

👉 Part 2: First Principles →