Attention Momentum
The tendency for focused attention to build and sustain itself over time.
Also known as: Focus momentum, Flow momentum
Category: Concepts
Tags: productivity, focus, concepts
Explanation
Attention Momentum describes how focused attention, once established, tends to sustain itself - it's easier to stay focused than to become focused. This explains why interruptions are so costly: they don't just take the interruption time but also the time to rebuild momentum. For knowledge workers, this means protecting focus blocks fiercely, batching similar tasks, and designing environments that minimize interruptions. Starting difficult tasks with small actions helps build initial momentum that carries through.
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