Harmless at the time. Costly in the long run. Even heroes can come adrift.
Mindset Mechanics – Your Human Upgrade Thinking Toolkit
Simple ideas. Big shifts.
Mindset Mechanics is a growing collection of bite-sized, science-backed thinking tools to help you think more clearly, respond more calmly, and make better decisions in real time.
Each one links to a Human Upgrade Element - so if something’s off, this is where to start.
No course. No waft or fluff. Just practical insights that work in real life.
Dip in. Pick what resonates.
Use what helps. Leave the rest.
Momentum doesn’t come from doing more - it comes from thinking better.
A Buddh-ish take
Each Mindset Mechanics post ends with something slightly Buddh-ish.
Not Buddhist in the religious sense, but inspired by the spirit of the Dhammapada: a collection of practical, poetic verses attributed to the Buddha, focusing on awareness, clarity, and non-attachment.
This section usually features a quote, thought, or perspective - often from someone who said it better than I could.
It’s here to bring you back to centre, something grounded to take with you.
No incense required.
Calling Yourself In
There’s an excellent version of all of us, that doesn’t need to be told what to do by anyone else.
The Mirror Test
The real question isn’t whether you like what you see, but whether you can face it.
The Integrity Gap
Does who you are and how you act line up nicely? If not, it can cost more than you think.
The Five Whys
What if the obvious answer isn’t the right one? But it’s hiding 4 layers deeper…
The Contribution Compass
The spotlight doesn’t always show where the real work is being done.
The Pygmalion Effect
It’s not what you say – it’s what they think you believe.
Sunk Cost Fallacy
If I hadn’t started this yet, would I choose it now?
The Plateau of Latent Potential
Patience could be the secret sauce for your next breakthrough
Growth Mindset
What if the only thing standing between you and progress are the stories you tell yourself?
The 90-Second Emotion Rule
The science behind emotional surges – and how to stop getting dragged along for the ride.
The Zeigarnik Effect
Unfinished tasks cling to your brain – until you give them somewhere to land.
The Contrast Effect
The Contrast Effect shapes how you feel, decide, and react – often without you realising it.
The Liking Principle
Being genuinely warm, relatable, and curious can open doors that logic alone often can’t.
Cognitive Load Theory
You’re not forgetful, disorganised, or broken – your brain might just be full.
The Reciprocity Principle
The instinct to return what we’re given is human, powerful, and often quietly contagious.
Emotional Contagion
You pick up other people’s moods faster than you think – and you can learn to steer them too..