Attention Control

Attention doesn't wander randomly — it leaks toward open loops, unmade decisions, and ambient cognitive load. These tools plug the leaks. Close the open loop or park it somewhere trusted. Shed the load you're carrying in working memory. Set an implementation intention so the next action doesn't need a decision. Single-thread the next hour. The goal isn't more willpower; it's removing the things that were quietly spending your attention before you got to choose.

Single-Thread Your Next Hour 2 min

One thing, one hour. Everything else waits.

You have meaningful work to do but your attention is scattered across five things at once.

Close the Open Loop 5 min

What's circling in my head that hasn't been written down?

You feel mentally cluttered, distractable, or unable to settle into focused work despite having time.

Set the If-Then 2 min

When X happens, I do Y. No decision required.

The next action is clear but keeps drifting — the task drifts from day to day.

Bind Yourself Before the Storm 3 min

Remove the option before the temptation arrives.

You know exactly what will derail your focus and you haven't yet started the focused work session.

Shed the Load 4 min

Get it out of my head and onto something I can see.

A problem feels too complex to hold in your head, or you're re-reading the same thing without progress.