Simplify to "what's in it for me". Sorry for the over-elaboration. Since you're the author, it's not surprising that you don't understand the source of my confusion. This quote from your post may help:

Ask yourself for new people , situations, arguments, and facts, what is this worth to me? What risks do I run by paying attention to this?

That's what I was expecting the exercises to develop - the ability to focus attention where there's advantage.