Learning to HALT

Last month, I reviewed The Boron Letters, by Gary Halbert. One of the practical lessons the book introduces is HALT. Simply put, Halbert recommends that you don’t make decisions, work, or engage with people when you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.

These four states sabotage productivity, creativity, and sound decision-making. Your brain operates differently in these states. They hijack your prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for strategic thinking and impulse control.

You become shortsighted and emotional rather than strategic. Hunger clouds judgment; anger warps tone; loneliness undermines confidence; fatigue dulls your edge.

Halbert’s advice for when you’re feeling “off” is to step away and reset. Eat a meal. Cool off. Connect with someone who lifts you up. Sleep. This isn’t procrastination—it’s protecting your creative currency.

HALT isn’t just for writers. Anyone chasing brilliance under pressure can use it. By mastering your emotional states, you elevate the odds of creating work that connects.

The best part: HALT costs nothing to implement but can save you everything. Try it before your next big move.