The tools, programs, and resources I personally use and recommend for cognitive performance, deep focus, and sustained high output.
After 12 years of reviewing cognitive performance research and testing everything from nootropics to biofeedback devices, I've developed a clear picture of what actually moves the needle and what is noise. This page is my honest resource list — updated when I add, change, or drop something.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links — I earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only list things I have personally used and evaluated. Commission does not change my assessment.
My morning stack starts with 5 minutes of audio entrainment before any screen time. This is the category that surprised me most — the science is real, the results are measurable if you're consistent.
A 5-minute daily audio program using alpha/theta binaural entrainment designed for morning cognitive priming. The marketing narrative is embellished (ignore the Elon Musk angle), but the underlying mechanism is real and my 30-day personal test produced measurable improvements in morning focus quality. $39 one-time purchase with a 90-day guarantee — the lowest-risk experiment on this list.
Read my full 30-day review | Is it legit? | vs. Genius Wave
Try the Elon Code — Risk-Free →$39 one-time | 90-day money-back guarantee | Affiliate link
Our in-house Pomodoro-style focus timer. I use this to structure my deep work blocks — the countdown creates productive time pressure without stress. Fully customizable session lengths.
Use the Focus Timer →AI-generated affirmations tailored to your specific goals, challenges, and mindset style. I use morning affirmations as part of Phase 3 of my morning protocol — the brain's plasticity is highest in the first 60 minutes of the day.
Generate Your Affirmations →60+ terms from neuroscience, nootropics, and cognitive performance — explained by AI in plain English with practical application tips. Good reference when you encounter a term in research you want to understand quickly.
Explore the Glossary →My supplement approach is minimal and evidence-filtered. I use a short list with strong research behind each compound. Full rationale in 5 Science-Backed Nootropics That Actually Work.
My most consistently used nootropic. NGF stimulation with multiple RCTs supporting cognitive benefits, particularly over 8+ weeks of consistent use. Look for products standardized to beta-glucan content with third-party testing. Available on Amazon — search for verified, lab-tested brands.
The most research-backed focus stack in the literature. L-Theanine modulates caffeine's stimulatory effects, producing alert calmness without jitteriness. I use this as a standalone supplement rather than relying on coffee ratios to be consistent.
Sleep quality is the foundation everything else builds on. Magnesium glycinate supports GABA signaling and reduces sleep onset time in multiple trials. I take this 60 minutes before sleep. Look for glycinate specifically — not magnesium oxide, which has poor bioavailability.
Adaptogen with strong evidence for reducing mental fatigue under stress. I use this during high-output periods — not as a daily permanent supplement. Standardized extract (3% rosavins, 1% salidroside). Take on an empty stomach; avoid late-day dosing as it can affect sleep.
For morning circadian anchoring — especially important in winter or if you work indoors. 10–20 minutes of exposure within 60 minutes of waking anchors your circadian rhythm and sets your alertness peak 12–14 hours later. Search Amazon for lamps specifically rated at 10,000 lux.
Essential for deep work and required for binaural beat programs to function properly. The elimination of ambient interruption is one of the highest-yield physical changes you can make to your work environment. Any quality over-ear noise-cancelling headphones work.
Books I return to repeatedly. Amazon links are affiliate links.
The most impactful book on cognitive performance I've read. If you have one book to read this year, make it this one. Walker's work on sleep architecture, memory consolidation, and the cost of sleep restriction changed how I prioritize recovery.
The practical framework for protecting high-concentration work in an age of distraction. Newport's core argument — that the ability to perform deep work is becoming both rarer and more valuable — is well-supported and actionable.
The primary source on mental model latticework thinking. Dense but worth the effort. The mental models covered in my mental models article all trace back to Munger's framework.
The best accessible book on neuroplasticity for non-specialists. Doidge's case studies make the science visceral and personally motivating. If you want to understand why consistent practice and deliberate habit formation matter at a neurological level, start here.
This page is updated as my stack changes. Last updated: June 2026. Questions about any of these recommendations? Contact me directly.