People possess limited mental resources.

Attention bears 1 thing at a time. Short-term memory holds about 7 (simple) things. Motivation and willpower depletes.rR1rA2

  • 1 new idea at a time
  • 2 decision points
  • 3 or 4 full ideas


  1. Sönke Ahrens, How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking: For Students, Academics and Nonfiction Book Writers (North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace, 2017). (See notes.)

  2. David Rock, Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long, 1st ed (New York: Harper Business, 2009). (See notes.)