Free your mind

Zeigarnik effect

After reading this article, you’ll learn:

  1. What is the Zeigarnik effect.

  2. Why you should know about it.

  3. How you can use it to your advantage.

Ever notice how things you need to do keep spinning in your head? Like an unfinished meal, they keep demanding your attention.

This is because of the Zeigarnik effect. Named after psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, it refers to the phenomenon where interrupted or unfinished tasks are better remembered than completed tasks.

It has applications in psychology, marketing, and software design.

But why should you know about this?

By understanding it, you can use it to your advantage:

  1. Journaling.

    One of the best habits you can start today. Journaling provides clarity to your thoughts. By writing things down you also “offload” things from your mind. This is much better thank just thinking about the same thing again and again.

  2. To improve focus.

    Let’s face it - multi tasking does not work. Techniques such as Pomodoro method, the 2 - minute rule and timeboxing are much - more effective for high - quality, focused work.

    Rather than keeping stuff in your mind, dedicate time slots to get stuff done.

  3. To be more productive.

    By using tools such as to - do lists, you take the first step in beating procrastination & getting things done. You can automate repetitive tasks e.g. paying monthly bills & ordering groceries.

    By doing this you don’t have to remember them - technology takes care of them.

  4. By task prioritization.

    Use tools such as Eisenhower matrix to prioritize, you save a bunch of time by delegating & deleting many tasks.

    Our focus is limited so reducing non - value added stuff is a great step.

How you can use the concept to your advantage:

  1. Breaks.

    In between deep - work sessions, take breaks. The unfinished problem will be in your mind, and chances are that you’ll get good ideas during the break. E.g. walking helps us think better.

  2. Networking.

    You can engage in meaningful conversations and initiate thoughtful ideas. By leaving them open - ended, there are more chances of follow - up meetings.

  3. Build a second brain.

    I work best when my second brain is used effectively. Second brain is a fancy term for an external place where you store your stuff - ideas, thoughts, projects etc. I use Notion, a free tool and absolutely love it!

    By doing this you take things off your mind, but information is also easily accessible - freeing up the mind to connect ideas.

  4. Break tasks into smaller pieces.

    Rome was not built in a day. By breaking tasks into smaller pieces, you get started. Check out this amazing website, and you can thank me later.

I hope this helps in your journey. And if so, share the article with your friends and family.

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