What is careful study?
Careful study means concentrating deeply on a specific skill. By doing this, you activate the brain pathways related to that skill repeatedly. This ongoing activity leads to a type of cell called oligodendrocytes creating myelin layers around the neurons linked to that current, ultimately strengthening the skill.
According to a formula from the book:
“Amount of high-quality work” = “time spent” x “attention intensity”
The idea of “attention residue” is intriguing. When you move from one task to another, you don’t completely shift your focus. Some of your attention lingers on the previous task. This leftover attention grows, especially if you didn’t give task A your full focus before switching to task B, and if task A remains unfinished. Consider this: How often did we accumulate attention residue yesterday? What did that inefficiency cost us?
I notice this attention residue mostly with emails. I have to reply to emails from 15-20 unfamiliar people daily, in addition to those I know. Some emailers reach out when they need help or are in urgent situations. I check my email often to ensure I respond promptly. A quote from Cal Newport struck me: “Checking your email every 5-10 minutes may seem like a harmless habit.” It did seem harmless at first. Now I realize the impact of attention residue. Non-urgent emails that I plan to answer later occupy space in my mind.
The author points out that in busy work environments, the culture of always being available ranks as the biggest distraction. This culture thrives on the pressure to quickly read and respond to every email or message that comes in.
I selected the methods that fit best with my current life and was inspired by the book to create my own methods as well. For those looking to work more efficiently, I suggest reading the entire book. The content truly offers “strategies, rules, and methods,” which will help you get started right away. Please let me know your thoughts after you read it.