Drawing on cutting-edge research along with practical findings, this landmark exploration of the science of attention reveals what distinguishes experts from amateurs and stars from average performers.

Includes index.

The subtle faculty -- Part 1. The anatomy of attention -- 2. Basics -- 3. Attention top and bottom -- 4. The value of a mind adrift -- 5. Finding balance -- Part 2. Self awareness -- 6. The inner rudder -- 7. Seeing ourselves as others see us -- 8. A recipe for self-control -- Part 3. Reading others 9. The woman who knew too much -- 10. The empathy triad -- 11. Social sensitivity -- Part 4. The bigger context. 12 Patterns, systems, and messes -- 13. System blindness -- 14. Distant threats -- Part 5. Smart practice 15. The myth of 10,000 hours -- 16. Brains on games -- 17. Breathing buddies -- Part 6. The well-focused leader 18. How leaders direct attention -- 19. The leader's triple focus -- 20. What makes a leader? -- Part 8. The big picture 21. Leading for the long future.