Secret skills of CIA agents in difficult situations

CIA agents have a secret skill for handling difficult situations (Illustration: Getty).

In moments of intense pressure, you may feel your mind spinning. Too many decisions, too little time, and too much at stake. Especially when your job is to deal with life-or-death situations, you need to stay mentally sharp.

That's why CIA agents use a simple concentration technique to stay sharp even under stress.

In essence, this technique is about managing three main resources: time, energy and money. Of these, only time is irreplaceable because it is gone and never comes back, while money can be earned or energy can be restored by resting.

That's why CIA training emphasizes decision-making strategies that prioritize time over everything else.

One of the biggest dangers to making good decisions is when we fall into a state of over-commitment, when our to-do list exceeds our brain's ability to process it.

Whether you're juggling email, family, or important tasks, too many demands at once can create stress, reduce focus, and trigger negative thinking. This is where the CIA's focus technique comes in.

This technique starts with a simple rule: whatever number of tasks you think you can handle at once, subtract two.

If you think you can handle five things at once, do only three. Think you can handle three? Stick to one. The goal is to relieve yourself of your sense of obligation and increase your ability to complete important tasks.

Once you complete those mission(s), you move on to what CIA agents call operational priorities.

This is where you focus on the next simple task that you can do in the shortest amount of time. It can be as small as taking a deep breath or pouring a cup of coffee. The important thing is to motivate yourself and restore a sense of control over the situation.

The CIA's focus technique works because it interrupts the cycle of mental clutter, the negative thoughts that arise when rational thinking breaks down. Completing even a small task can create more positive thinking and reduce emotional overwhelm.

And while as an average person you don't face risks related to national security or your life, you still have to deal with the stressors of everyday life, like unexpected meetings, family turmoil, or late-night messages from your boss.

In all of these situations, identifying and executing the next simple task is the quickest path to calm and clarity.

Make this technique a habit, starting with small and simple things, because no matter what pressure you have, the simplest move is often the wisest move.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/ky-nang-bi-mat-cua-nhan-vien-cia-trong-tinh-huong-kho-khan-20250512002822771.htm