Definition: Open tasks occupy our short term memory, until they are done.
Insight: Our minds get easily distracted.
Insight: The way we organise information can impact our long and short term memories.
Insight: We don't have to complete tasks to stop thinking about them. We just need to write them down with a clear plan.
Insight: We can't do everything at once. We need a robust external system to manage our tasks and thoughts.
Insight: We can use the Zeigarnik Effect to our advantage by keeping unanswered questions in our minds, and letting our thoughts try to solve the question. This is why we seem to think of the answers to many challenges in casual situations.
Insight: We rarely forget incomplete tasks.
Insight: Once completed, tasks are easily forgotten.
Insight: A clear plan of action is sufficient to remove something from our minds.
Principle: Divide plans into step by step tasks that are written down.
Principle: Put a notepad by the bed. When you cannot sleep, write down unfinished tasks and how you will complete them.
Definition: Uncompleted tasks create a tension that keeps the task in our mind until completion.
Reference: 1920s. Bluma Zeigarnik observing waiters in a cafe that could easily remember orders, but forgot as soon as the bill was paid.
Reference: Bluma Zeigarnik giving tasks and then interrupting. Participants were more likely to remember when tasks were incomplete.
Insight: If you are struggling for focus, it is possible that there is something that you have been avoiding that you should be doing.
Principle: Break tasks into smaller pieces that lead towards habits.
Principle: Start somewhere. Anywhere.
Reference: 1920s. Bluma Zeigarnik observing waiters in a cafe that could easily remember orders, but forgot as soon as the bill was paid.
Insight: Unfinished tasks stick in people's minds.
Insight: Zeigarnik believed that starting an activity creates anxiety, that is relieved once completed.
Insight: Procrastination occurs when we are overwhelmed with the size of a task.
Insight: We can overcome procrastination by starting tasks "for just a few minutes".
Reference: Bluma Zeigarnik.
Insight: Daily 'shutdown routines' can help remove outstanding tasks from our mind at the end of the day.
Insight: Simply stopping work at a particular time each day to be continued the following day can leave this unfinished work on our mind in the evenings.
Principle: Capture all tasks in a list and review.
Definition: Unfinished business sticks with us.
Insight: Regardless of how productive we are, unfinished business will always occupy our thoughts.
Insight: The Zeignarik Effect can help motivate us to action, but causes anxiety when there is a lot to be done.
Principle: Taking positive breaks e.g. meeting friends, can provide us with the energy to get more done.
Insight: Digital distractions are unfinished tasks.
Insight: Unfinished tasks nag at us.
Principle: Get rid of digital notifications: reduce anxiety and and have the attention to focus on what is important.
Key Insights & Principles
Productivity
Completed tasks are quickly forgotten.
We cannot do everything at once.
Externalising tasks (writing them down) with a clear plan of action is a way to prevent them from remaining in our thoughts.
Digital distractions are like unfinished tasks, and prevent us from focused productivity.
Get started (use the Pomodoro Technique).
Break tasks into smaller chunks.
Remove digital distractions.
Mental wellbeing
Tasks with clear execution plans, when written down, can be removed from your mind and remove anxiety.
Digital notifications are like unfinished tasks that hijack our focus.
Keep a notepad handy and write down what is on your mind.
Implement a daily wind down ritual and give permission to remove things from your mind.
