Albert Einstein devoted three years of his life to deep focus on the specific task of generalizing his theory of relativity. He didn't work on ten things during this period—he directed all of his precious attention to the one thing that really mattered.

Attention Residue is the scientific concept that there is a cognitive switching cost to shifting your attention from one task to another. When your attention is shifted, there is a "residue" that remains with the prior task and impairs your cognitive performance on the new task.

To fight back, here are 4 strategies you can implement today: (1) Create a boot-up sequence, (2) Schedule focus blocks, (3) Take a walk, and (4) Leverage Parkinson's Law.

Question: Is it time you start living outside the box?

Framework: The Steel Man Technique

If you're a regular reader of my work, you know that I have a special affinity for drawing upon wisdom from the past and applying my own lens to create something more usable for our own present and future.

Today's wisdom comes from a letter (full transcript here) written by a 20-year-old Hunter S. Thompson to a dear friend who had sought out Thompson's advice on finding his life purpose.

5 brilliant lessons on finding purpose (that we can all apply on our journey): (1) Accept the perils of advice, (2) Seek perspective-altering experiences, (3) Goals should conform to you (not vice versa), (4) Define your way of life, and (5) Live by design, not default.

Question: What am I not achieving simply because I haven't asked?

Idea: Hemingway's Lost Suitcase

Your time here is finite, so choosing the pursuits—personal and professional—that deliver the greatest returns on that time is essential.

I use an exercise I call Pursuit Mapping to identify the pursuits that are most likely to bring joy and outsized rewards into my life.

Three steps: (1) Create Your Pursuit Map, (2) Identify Your Zones, and (3) Align Your Time.

Question: Do you need to empty your cup before you can grow?

Framework: Persian Messenger Syndrome

My weekly emphasis on action is intended to serve as a reminder of the power you always hold, no matter how powerless you may feel.

I recently came across a beautiful true story, written by a woman named Pam Kearney, on the impact of even the most tiny, inconsequential actions.

Lesson: Action doesn't have to be perfect for it to be right.

Question: Would the idea of living your current life on repeat be horrifying or affirming?

Idea: The Museum of Failure 

Harsh truth: Networking is dead...at least in the traditional sense of the word.\

I'm not a natural relationship builder. In fact, I am a bit introverted and socially-anxious, particularly in large group settings like conferences, cocktail parties, and events. And yet, I've built a depth and breadth of connections that has brought me great joy and value over the years.

This piece shares my four core "anti-networking" principles that anyone can use: (1) Find Value-Aligned Rooms, (2) Ask Engaging Questions, (3) Become a Level 2-3 Listener, and (4) Use Creative Follow-Ups.

Question: Are you trying to clean up your city before sweeping your doorstep?

Framework: Boiling Frog Syndrome