
Aeternum Focus Diagram
A system for elite productivity that aligns identity, attention, and energy with execution. This model blends Scott Adams style systems thinking and persuasion with Aeternum standards.
Scott Adams Tribute
Systems over goals
Skill stack and persuasion
Energy first, schedule second
Inputs and Friction
Design the environment so attention flows to the target and distractions meet resistance.
- Device rules: silent mode, no feeds before the first block
- Physical layout: clear desk, water, timer visible
- Cue binding: same music and desk for deep work
- Friction design: move easy distractions two steps away
- Focus contract: one sentence of intent before each block
Focus Engine Core
A layered sequence that converts attention into measurable progress.
- Identity: I am the person who executes
- System: repeatable daily steps produce value
- State: breath, posture, quick review
- Work unit: one deliverable in 30 to 90 minutes
- Execution: write, build, ship
- Feedback: visible proof, next improvement
Outcomes and Metrics
Measure what compounds. Reward shipping, not busy motion.
- Daily ship count
- Deep work minutes
- Cycle time
- Quality proxy
Dopamine Budget and Attention Economics
Dopamine signals salience and expectation. The goal is a stable baseline with purposeful peaks during work blocks and full recovery after. Protect the baseline so motivation remains available for important work.
- Baseline: protect sleep, sunlight, nutrition, and movement
- Precision spikes: novelty at the start of a deep block
- Prediction error: small wins that arrive earlier than expected
- Avoid stack overload: avoid combining many stimulants at once
- Recovery window: walk, breathe, hydrate, return to neutral
Spike pattern
Baseline
Persuasion overlay (Scott Adams)
- Frame first, facts second
- Contrast and anchor
- Simple language and repetition
- Visible wins build momentum
Systems over goals
- Repeatable steps that produce value daily
- Skill stack that compounds
- Protect energy first, schedule follows energy
- Measure shipping, not effort theatre
Aeternum operating standard for focus
- Three deep blocks per day for core roles, two before noon
- All deep work begins with a one line intention
- No meetings during deep work blocks unless emergency
- Team ship log is public to show progress
- Managers coach state, system, and skill stack