The 5 focus modes that power your attention-span training
Cognitive Pathways are the 5 focus modes at the heart of Cortex Lantern's attention-span training system. Instead of treating all focus as the same, Cortex Lantern recognizes that different tasks require different mental states. Each Cognitive Pathway is designed to train a specific type of attention, helping you build cognitive fitness across all areas of your life. When you complete sessions in a pathway, you earn Glow Points and strengthen that particular mental muscle.
Focused analytical work, admin tasks, studying, and complex problem-solving. Activates the prefrontal cortex.
Writing, brainstorming, art, cooking, and creative projects. Engages the default mode network.
Reading, courses, language learning, and skill development. Optimized for memory encoding.
Planning, organizing, life admin, and strategic thinking. Balances executive function.
The Deep Work pathway trains sustained, analytical focus — the ability to concentrate on complex, demanding tasks without distraction.
Deep Work strengthens your prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for executive function, logical reasoning, and maintaining attention on challenging tasks. This is the science behind focused productivity.
The Creative pathway trains open, generative thinking — the ability to make new connections, brainstorm ideas, and engage in artistic expression.
Creative sessions engage the default mode network, a brain system associated with imagination, daydreaming, and making unexpected connections between ideas.
The Learning pathway trains focused absorption — the ability to take in new information, encode it into memory, and build new skills over time.
Learning sessions optimize your brain for memory encoding and retention, strengthening the neural pathways involved in acquiring and storing new knowledge.
The Problem-Solving pathway (also called Systems & Clarity) trains structured, strategic thinking — the ability to organize information, plan ahead, and solve complex problems.
This pathway balances executive function with working memory, helping you hold multiple pieces of information in mind while organizing them into coherent plans and solutions.
The Communication pathway (also called Social & Connection) trains interpersonal focus — the ability to be fully present in conversations and build meaningful relationships.
Communication sessions support emotional intelligence and social cognition, the brain systems involved in understanding others, empathy, and effective communication.
Different tasks require different mental modes. A single "focus mode" doesn't account for the variety of cognitive demands you face each day. Using the right Cognitive Pathway helps you train the specific attention skills each task demands, based on the science of attention training.
Free users can access one pathway at a time. Pro users unlock all five pathways and can switch between them throughout the day, earning Glow Points in each.
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