Learning requires fuel. Forming new links between cues and actions (learning) requires fuel. Developing habits (memorizing the links between cues and actions) is a biological process – the links are literally grown and growing takes time and fuel. The length of time required to grow a link depends on the amount of fuel burned. The strength of signal, resistance in the mental pathway, and frequency of repetition determine the amount of fuel burned and the strength of the link (how well the association is memorized). Strong signals, high resistance, and repetition drive stronger associations. Highly emotional, unexpected events (emotion amplifies signals and unexpected events have high resistance because there are no existing links) can instantly create a life-long association (an instant, enduring memory). Attempting to memorize associations with no emotional connections and lots of distractions (low energy, widely distributed through the senses) will form weak links which are easily forgotten.
Fuel limits determine learning limits. There are limits to the amount of fuel available in the brain and the rate the fuel can be burned. Learning is limited by the number of new associations that can be fueled at one time.
Focus controls fuel distribution. Focusing on a sensation turns up the volume on that sensation, burns more fuel and creates stronger links. Turning up the volume on one sensation robs fuel from the other senses, turning down those sensations and reducing the chance associations with those senses will be remembered. Deliberate choice of focus points prioritize the memorization of associations. The choice of focus points changes over time and determines how fast and how well a new skill is acquired.
Focus points will shift as skill improves. As habits form and strengthen, less energy is needed to power the links between cue and action. Strong habits are subconscious and don’t require conscious focus, so as skill increases and basic motor actions are memorized, focus can be shifted to a more productive area. As an example, when learning guitar, a beginner is completely focused on where to place their fingers. As skill improves and chords are memorized, focus shifts to listening to the music and playing along. The guitarist no longer consciously thinks about how to play the chords.