The Leakage Theory

Want to share a mental model that's been integral to how I approach work and life.

Let’s call it: the “Leakage Theory.”

The core idea: minimize unnoticed energy leaks to maximize your “Goal Throughput.” Leakage shows up in many forms

🟣 Ambiguity Leakage

Not knowing what you want is the biggest energy leak. In both work and life, if you're unclear, every step you take might be wasted.

Meditation helps, so does ruthless clarity.

The faster you figure out what exactly you want:

→ the faster you get to your goal

→ the more goals you can set

→ the higher your "achievement throughput"

🟣 Thinking Leakage

Know the difference between thoughtfulness and rumination.

Here’s a simple check I use:

Will this extra thought lead to incremental action?

If not—it’s leakage.

Clear your mental “cache.”

Every thought that surfaces, convert into something tangible:

→ What action can come from this?

→ If none, what does the thought reveal about me?

Journal the learning. Then move on.

Brains run faster with no cache.

🟣 Interpersonal Leakage

Internal politics. People management. Being calculating.

Worrying about perception. Arguing for ego. “Proving a point.”

All of these burn energy that could be spent on creation.

🟣 Emotional Leakage

Namely: worry, doubt, fear.

These are consuming emotions that can be mitigated by action.

- If you’re worried about something, take preventative steps.

- If you’ve done absolutely everything in your power to prevent or mitigate it (like giving your all toward a job you want), there will be no regret— then why worry about it?

🟣 Attention Leakage

Where you pay attention is where you spend your energy.

So many self-help books emphasize the importance of self-love and self-improvement:

- Pay attention to yourself.

- Know what YOU want.

- Only try to control what you can.

In work:

Instead of stalking competitors, take your attention back.

Improve your product.

In life:

Stop trying to “change” others.

People only change when they want to.

Take your attention back & influence by example. Walk the talk yourself.

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This is how I do it daily. Hope this thread gifts its audience a clearer mind and a lighter brain