Concepts
The irreducible epistemic atoms underlying the curriculum. 4,828 atoms across 8 types
When you see repetition, forced output, or errors — switch…
When a cognitive pool (creative, analytical, social) shows degradation markers—repetition, forced output, errors, disengagement—switch to a different pool type rather than pushing through, even if scheduled time remains.
One source at full depth per week beats ten at surface…
Process one information source at full depth (notes, connections, could-explain-to-others) per week rather than ten sources at surface level to build signal detection capacity in your critical domains.
Delegate peripheral scanning to AI, reserve deep attention…
Use AI to scan peripheral domains weekly and deliver filtered summaries, while reserving human attention for 2-3 deep engagements per week in your core signal domains.
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.
Bright cool light for analytical work, dim warm light…
Configure workspace lighting to match cognitive mode—bright, cool-temperature light (5,000-6,500K) for analytical work requiring convergent thinking; dim, warm light (2,700-3,000K) for creative work requiring divergent thinking.
Limit metacognitive recursion to two levels during live…
During real-time execution of high-stakes tasks, defer metacognitive recursion beyond two levels to avoid working memory saturation—externalize to enable deeper inspection.
Ultradian trough signals…
When noticing ultradian trough signals (restlessness, wandering attention, desire to check phone), take a 15-20 minute genuine recovery break before beginning the next work block rather than pushing through with stimulants.
Close communication apps entirely during deep work…
When entering a scheduled deep work block, close all communication applications entirely rather than minimizing or silencing them, because accessibility to self-interruption sources depletes executive function through continuous suppression effort even when not actively checked.