It is a common belief that our short-term memory can hold up to 7 pieces of information at any given time. That is why they originally made telephone numbers 7 digits long.

But in recent years scientists have realized the real number is actually closer to 4.

FOUR. 4 ideas, to-dos, reminders, etc. That’s it. That’s all our prefrontal cortex can hold. And if you try to exceed this (as each of us do everyday) you rapidly deplete the amount of energy you have to think clearly and make decisions easily. Which are the exact skills you need to prioritize effectively.

Interestingly, when …