The beauty of this book lies in its simplicity. In just 50 short models, Krogerus lays out tools drawn from psychology, management theory, and strategic thinking that can help you analyze problems, clarify goals, and understand yourself and others better. Whether it’s the Eisenhower Matrix for prioritization, the SWOT analysis for strategic planning, or the OODA Loop for quick decision-making, each model is explained with clarity and visual diagrams that make them easy to grasp and apply.
Reading it feels like opening a mental toolbox, you don’t need every tool every day, but when the right problem comes along, you suddenly remember, “Ah, I have just the model for this.” What’s more, the book avoids the trap of becoming overly academic or heavy. Instead, it’s accessible, practical, and often thought-provoking, with many models nudging you toward self-awareness as much as better decision-making.
It’s also a book that grows with you. When I first encountered it, I used it mainly for work-related decisions, structuring projects, clarifying team priorities, and preparing strategies. Later, I found myself applying the same models to personal choices, relationships, time management, and even questions of purpose.
Key Lessons from The Decision Book:
1. Clarity beats complexity – Many decisions overwhelm us because we don’t know how to frame them. A simple model, like a two-by-two matrix, can strip away noise and reveal what truly matters.
2. Self-knowledge drives better choices – Some models are less about external strategy and more about inner reflection (e.g., Johari Window). They remind us that decision-making is as much about knowing ourselves as it is about analyzing options.
3. Frameworks prevent paralysis – Decision fatigue is real. Having structured methods ready at hand reduces hesitation and makes it easier to move forward with confidence.
4. Not every tool fits every problem – Just like in real life, not every hammer should hit every nail. The real wisdom is knowing which model to apply to which situation.
5. Decisions shape identity – Over time, the models show you that decisions aren’t just about outcomes; they’re about aligning choices with values, which ultimately shapes the kind of life you live.
This is a book I’d recommend to anyone who feels weighed down by choices, whether in leadership, business, or personal life. It doesn’t promise to make decisions for you, but it gives you the lenses to see decisions more clearly. And sometimes, clarity is all we need to finally act.
BOOK: https://amzn.to/4g3H0fz
