The Psychology Of Productivity: Why Unfinished Work Is Hard To Ignore  

PUBLISHED

Jul 18th, 2022

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The Psychology of Closure

Your brain is hard-wired to desire closure. This is why cliff-hangers in books and movies are so effective. Your brain wants to know what happens next, even if the plot isnΚΌt enthralling to you. The same psychological trigger works when it comes to checking off to-dos. Your brain will naturally focus more on unfinished tasks because of its biological desire to experience that sense of relief.

The Zeigarnik Effect

Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik first uncovered the mental process behind the draw to unfinished tasks while sitting in a busy restaurant. She realized that waiters had an easy time remembering orders when a bill was left open, but once it was closed they struggled to recall any of the dinerΚΌs information. 

This effect (now called the Zeigarnik Effect) describes how our short term memory deems any unfinished information as more important, and is a useful hack when it comes to beating procrastination and checking off a list of tasks.

How It Works

When your brain senses that something is unfinished, it files that information into your short term memory. There, the information repeatedly circuits until your brain receives closure. This is why you often find yourself thinking of tasks youΚΌve started but not completed.

Through the process of repeatedly recalling information from your short term memory, it can be stored in long term memory.

How to Hack the Zeigarnik Effect

So how can you use the Zeigarnik Effect to boost your memory and become more productive? Its quite simple, but it may seem counterintuitive at first. The Zeigarnik Effect is triggered by unfulfillment. This means starting a task, but not finishing it in the same session. So, for example, if you are studying for an exam, working in multiple shorter periods of time is actually more beneficial to memory retention than cramming a study session the night before. And when it comes to your endless to-do list, starting a task, even if you leave it unfinished, will automatically pull it to the forefront of your mind and make you more inclined to return to it.

Try It Yourself

To see the direct impact of the Zeigarnik Effect, follow these three simple steps:

1. Choose 2 of your most important tasks for the week

2. Start each tasks, but only work on them for 10-15 minutes

3. Take a break from the task, and notice how your mind continues to return to them and heightens their importance.

This is a great tool to use for serial procrastinators. By simply starting a task (even if itΚΌs reading 1 page of a book, or writing one paragraph in a paper), your mind will be triggered to return to that task more often.

Need an extra kick of motivation for those really intensive tasks? Combine the power of the Zeigarnik Effect with Clarigenz Focus Plus+!

Clarigenz Focus Plus+ is an all natural focus booster, than will enhance your cognitive process, unlock complete and total focus, and leave you feeling driven and motivated with NO side effects.

Click the button below to learn more about Clarigenz Focus Plus+, and make sure to let us know if the Zeigarnik Effect makes a difference for you!

TRY CLARIGENZ FOCUS PLUS+

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Does Your Brain Need Protein?

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Multitasking: Is It A Myth?

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The Secret To Year-Round Productivity

WeΚΌre constantly trying to push our brains to accomplish as much as possible in the least amount of time. But can we actually multitask? Or is the idea of multitasking a myth? The answer is not as simple as you might think.

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How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

You know that rush of excitement and energy you get when youΚΌre about to do something youΚΌre really excited about? Here's the secret to holding on to it. 

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Are Nootropics As Safe As They Claim?

Most nootropics claim to give you an incredible boost in brain power...but are they actually safe to use? 

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Is Procrastination The Secret To Productivity?

Procrastination is usually tied to laziness...but could it actually be the secret to productivity? Recent findings say "YES!" And here's why...

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A Simple β€œ2 List” Strategy For Focus

Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and the worldΚΌs eighth wealthiest person has a simple method to prioritization. He credits this method with his ability to refuse anything that doesnΚΌt align with his personal goals, and his sharp, highly focused approach to business.

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Is Technology Destroying Your Productivity?

The biggest roadblock to productivity is NOT your brain. It's on your wrist, in your pocket, or sitting on your desk...

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Is Exercise The Key To Better Focus?

It’s no secret that regular exercise provides great benefits to your overall health. Reduced cholesterol, improved body mass, and decreased risk for heart disease are just a few of the proven benefits of getting your sweat on.

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Never Leave A Task Unfinished Again

PUBISHED

Jan 4th, 2022

IN

clarigenz.com

SHARE

The Psychology Of Closure

Your brain is hard-wired to desire closure. This is why cliff-hangers in books and movies are so effective. Your brain wants to know what happens next, even if the plot isnΚΌt enthralling to you. The same psychological trigger works when it comes to checking off to-dos. Your brain will naturally focus more on unfinished tasks because of its biological desire to experience that sense of relief.

The Zeigarnik effect

Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik first uncovered the mental process behind the draw to unfinished tasks while sitting in a busy restaurant. She realized that waiters had an easy time remembering orders when a bill was left open, but once it was closed they struggled to recall any of the dinerΚΌs information.

This effect (now called the Zeigarnik Effect) describes how our short term memory deems any unfinished information as more important, and is a useful hack when it comes to beating procrastination and checking off a list of tasks.

How it works

When your brain senses that something is unfinished, it files that information into your short term memory. There, the information repeatedly circuits until your brain receives closure. This is why you often find yourself thinking of tasks youΚΌve started but not completed. 

Through the process of repeatedly recalling information from your short term memory, it can be stored in long term memory.

How to hack the Zeigarnik effect

So how can you use the Zeigarnik Effect to boost your memory and become more productive? Its quite simple, but it may seem counterintuitive at first. The Zeigarnik Effect is triggered by unfulfillment. This means starting a task, but not finishing it in the same session. So, for example, if you are studying for an exam, working in multiple shorter periods of time is actually more beneficial to memory retention than cramming a study session the night before. And when it comes to your endless to-do list, starting a task, even if you leave it unfinished, will automatically pull it to the forefront of your mind and make you more inclined to return to it.

Try it yourself

To see the direct impact of the Zeigarnik Effect, follow these three simple steps:

1. Choose 2 of your most important tasks for the week 

2. Start each tasks, but only work on them for 10-15 minutes

3. Take a break from the task, and notice how your mind continues to return to them and heightens their importance.

This is a great tool to use for serial procrastinators. By simply starting a task (even if itΚΌs reading 1 page of a book, or writing one paragraph in a paper), your mind will be triggered to return to that task more often.

This means youΚΌll be more driven to check off your lengthy list of to-dos, and less inclined to leave tasks for later!

Need an extra kick of motivation for those really intensive tasks? Combine the power of the Zeigarnik Effect with Clarigenz Focus Plus+!

Clarigenz Focus Plus+ is an all natural focus booster, than will enhance your cognitive process, unlock complete and total focus, and leave you feeling driven and motivated with NO side effects. 

Click the button below to learn more about Clarigenz Focus Plus+, and make sure to let us know if the Zeigarnik Effect makes a difference for you!

TRY CLARIGENZ FOCUS PLUS+

Further Reading...

Motivation Doesn't Have To Be Fleeting

Read More

Multitasking: Is It A Myth?

Read More

Does Your Brain Need Protein?

Read More

The Secret To Year-Round Productivity

Read More

Are Nootropics As Safe As They Claim?

Read More

Is procrastination harmful?

Read More

A Simple β€œ2 List” Strategy For Focus

Read More

Is Exercise The Key To Better Focus?

Read More

Is Technology Destroying Your Productivity?

Read More

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