Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M0798

Kill Criteria

Kill Criteria
DecidemediumDecision Science
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Before starting a project or making an investment, preset specific, objective 'exit conditions' (e.g., if user count does not reach 10,000 after 6 months, or customer acquisition cost exceeds 50 yuan, stop immediately).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Automated stop-loss. Prevents 'escalation of commitment' and 'sunk cost fallacy'. When you face difficulties midway through a project, emotions will prevent you from giving up; only pre-set cold standards can save you.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Preset specific, objective 'exit conditions' before starting, to prevent escalation of commitment and sunk cost fallacy. Pre-set cold standards beat mid-course emotions, serving as an automated stop-loss mechanism.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/5

Practice this model in one real situation:

Check to track your progress (stored locally)
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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    behavioralscientist.orghttps://behavioralscientist.org/annie-duke-quit-mental-models-to-help-you-cut-your-losses/ZH · Explicit
    verified

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