Challenges, problems, and conflicts can be the seeds of growth, or the seeds of destruction. It seems worthwhile to develop skills for addressing and resolving life challenges in ways that promote growth. Problem solving skills are a component of any performance challenge whether athletic, academic, professional, or personal. However, the cognitive and physiological resources and processes associated with problem solving have the potential to act in ways that both enhance and inhibit effective problem solving and performance outcomes. Focus, a process capable of galvanizing an individual''s attention and energies toward a singular purpose, can erode performance just as powerfully by drawing energies away from performance goals. This research derived insight into the interactions and interdependencies of underlying cognitive and physiological mechanisms and principles comprising the problem solving process. The research aimed to better inform the design of facilitative performance interventions for a variety of realms including business, academic, athletic, and interpersonal.