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Cognitive Surplus Creation

Meaning

Cognitive Surplus Creation describes the clinical goal of generating an excess capacity of mental energy and processing power beyond what is required for routine daily tasks. This reserve capacity, or “surplus,” can then be consciously directed toward complex problem-solving, deep creative work, or accelerated learning, resulting in enhanced personal productivity and intellectual output. It is the antithesis of mental fatigue, representing a state where cognitive resources are abundant and readily available for executive functions. Achieving this state requires optimizing the fundamental energetic and structural components of the brain.