Some find it easier to apply others' mental models. Others find it easier (and more fun) to develop their own. The latter is as easy as "what principles can be

Some find it easier to apply others' mental models. Others find it easier (and more fun) to develop their own. The latter is as easy as "what principles can be extracted from what I'm learning?" and is easier on recall because the models come from one's own experience. In this way you can say we use thousands of mental models daily. In the former case--referencing others' models--those who do this tend to be adept at prioritization. They remember the models because the application is important to them. Original/own-model makers do not typically prioritize as intensely and are known to get very deep into theory. They are found all over academia.