The Shrink Flexibility Compass

A Shrink Framework, a model that ties these 12 concepts into one way of understanding a problem. Each concept links to its full page in the Atlas.

12 concepts · Authored by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA · Educational only

Adapt while staying true to your values.

Beliefs often shape attention before evidence shapes beliefs.

Mental strength includes the ability to revise your thinking.

Emotions inform judgment. They don't replace evidence.

Reality is usually a spectrum. Black-and-white thinking compresses it into extremes.

Believing every thought gives every thought unnecessary authority.

Awareness creates the opportunity for better thinking.

Distance improves perspective.

Rigid thinking protects familiarity more than accuracy.

Perspective influences experience.

The need to know can become stronger than the need to know accurately.

Avoiding discomfort often strengthens it.