Hyperfocus

CONNECTING EVEN MORE DOTS 
Simply entering habitual scatterfocus mode will enable you to experience the 
remarkable benefi
ts I’ve covered so far. But if you want to level up even further, here 
are six ways to do so. 

---

- 152 - 
1. Scatter your attention in a richer environment. 
Being mindful of and controlling your environment is one of the most productive steps 
you can take. In addition to creating a focus-conducive environment (using the steps 
discussed in the first part of this book), you can also help surface scatterfocus insights 
by deliberately exposing yourself to new cues. 
Immersing yourself in a setting that contains potential insight triggers is a powerful 
practice. A rich environment is one where you’re constantly encountering new people, 
ideas, and sights. Break activities like walking through a bookstore or people-watching 
at a diner are far more valuable than those that don’t carry any new potential cues. 
Adopt a mix of such activities
—some that give your mind the space to wander and 
connect dots and others that expose your mind to new ideas you can 
connect later. 
You can also use cues to 
capture
 everything you need to get done.
Walk around your house 
with a notepad and draw up a list of tasks that need to be completed. This list represents your external cues. 
You’ll be able to capture just as much—if not more—valuable information if you do the same at the office or 
while br
owsing each folder on your computer. While this might feel overwhelming at first, you’ll be able to better 
organize and prioritize everything on your plate. If you want to deepen your relationships with friends, scroll 
through the contacts app on your phon
e and take note of whom you haven’t connected with in a while. If you 
want to develop deeper professional relationships, scroll through your LinkedIn contact list. Deliberately 
exposing yourself to new cues can help in these ways and more.