How to stop wasting mental energy and train your focus like a high performer

The text discusses attention as a resource, comparing it to a flashlight that illuminates where focus goes. Focusing excessively on uncontrollable factors like past events or others' behavior can lead to negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. A study showed that most worries don't materialize, or turn out better than expected, highlighting the wasted energy in worrying. Controlling attention is essential, with experts ranking it as the top skill for performing well under pressure. The text suggests shifting focus to solvable problems and away from uncontrollable, anxiety-inducing thoughts. Practical exercises such as identifying zones of control and mindful breathing can help redirect attention. Social media detoxes and news headline challenges are also proposed for improving attentional focus. Regularly auditing your attentional deployment can clarify where your mental energy is being spent. Redirecting attention from unhelpful areas to helpful ones is the key to effective mental currency management.