Attention Residue

The concept that the result of switching between tasks, or multitasking, leaves part of our attention on the previous task. This results in significant costs to our performance on the next task.

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Key Insights & Principles

Creativity & Productivity

1. Multitasking, or switching between tasks results in some attention being stuck on the previous task, lowering the performance on the next task.
2. The more our attention switches the lower our productivity, and capacity for deep thought and creativity.
3. What we do before creative work impacts our performance significantly.

1. Focus on a single task for as long as possible without switching.
2. Remove distractions.
3. Start the day with work that requires creativity and deep thought.

Book References