Create a Fortress to Shield Your Rational Mind

Imagine two plants: one growing under clear sunlight, the other overshadowed by overhanging branches. Just like those plants, our minds flourish in the right environment and wither under distractions. Cognitive science shows that our self-control depletes the more we resist interruptions—so it makes sense to design a workspace that minimizes the need for resistance.

In Zurich, the author split his office into two zones: a “busy room” with screens and calls where he stands to check emails, and a “library” with no devices for deep thinking. That simple physical divide trained his brain to switch modes effortlessly.

Research on attention residue explains why multitasking tanks performance: when you jump between tasks, you carry fragments of the last one in your mind, blurring focus. A dedicated workspace signals your brain, “Now we concentrate.” Even small shifts—the angle of your desk, a single bonsai tree, a clock in view—serve as cues to engage or disengage.

By zoning your own space, you create a reliable habitat for calm, clear thought. The fewer distractions you face, the less willpower you need. Over time, your rational “slow thinking” system will operate with more ease and less mental friction.

First, walk through your office or home and list every thing that slices your focus—phone pings, passersby, unread notifications. Next, carve out two areas: a gadget-free deep-work zone with only your notebook, clock, and a meaningful photo, and a “busy zone” for email and calls. Use physical barriers—like closing a door—to signal mode changes. Finally, batch digital noise: block notifications for 60-minute work sprints and reward yourself with 10-minute catch-ups. You’ll notice deep focus return. Try this today.