Ever wondered why unfinished tasks linger in your mind more than completed ones? Welcome to the intriguing world of the Zeigarnik Effect, a psychological phenomenon that explains this very curiosity. Let's delve into its fascinating intricacies.
Why it’s so hard to stop thinking about everything we have to get done
The Zeigarnik Effect refers to our tendency to remember incomplete or interrupted tasks better than completed ones.
- Two-fold problem: each incomplete task your brain reminds you about takes up a bit of your attention, splitting your focus and making it harder to concentrate on whatever you’re currently working on
- Even if we manage to physically disconnect from work, unfinished tasks follow us home, intruding on family dinners, vacations, weekends, and our sleep.
What you can do about it
Write your tasks down
- Have a system for organizing and regularly reviewing your tasks
- Create rituals for planning your day and week
- End of work shutdown ritual
- Find a small way to just get started
- Don’t forget to look back at how far you’ve come
Who are we?
Doist is a remote-first company behind Todoist and Twist
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