Concepts
The irreducible epistemic atoms underlying the curriculum. 4,828 atoms across 8 types
Write your target and set a 5-minute timer before opening…
Before opening any social media platform, write down your specific intended information target and set a 5-minute timer; when the timer fires, close the app regardless of whether you found the target.
After an information fast, sort inputs
After each information fast, document three specific categories: inputs you genuinely missed, inputs you craved but didn't need, and inputs you forgot existed, then eliminate or downgrade items in the latter two categories.
Use a 3-step context switch
When switching between cognitive contexts, implement a three-step loading protocol: (1) close the current context by writing a one-sentence summary and noting open loops (30 seconds), (2) create a transition gap of deliberate non-engagement (60 seconds), (3) load the new context by reviewing relevant notes and orienting before producing (60 seconds).
Spend 60-90 seconds orienting before producing…
During context loading for complex cognitive work (coding, writing, design), spend the first 60-90 seconds orienting through review of previous state before attempting to produce output, as the cognitive system requires initialization time before it can operate at full capacity in that domain.
When multiple contexts compete, designate one as primary…
When multiple contexts are active simultaneously, identify which one is primary for the current work period and explicitly park all others with specific time and place commitments.
Checklists need mandatory pause points where all activity…
Insert mandatory pause points in checklist execution where all activity stops and verification becomes the primary task, rather than running checklists as background processes.
Require a physical touch or verbal callout for each…
For each checklist item, require a physical action (touching the control) or verbal callout (saying the condition aloud) to prevent autopilot execution where the ritual completes without actual verification.
Never rely on human vigilance for low-frequency monitoring…
When sustained attention must monitor for low-frequency errors over extended periods (>30 minutes), delegate detection to automated systems rather than relying on human vigilance, because attentional resources degrade predictably regardless of motivation.