Do you sometimes doubt your memory, and ability to recall whether you watched the latest Netflix feature, or read a book? Do you find yourself struggling to remember tasks or information, despite your best efforts to write them down and stay organized?
I was recently studying ‘memory hacks’ and came across a uniquely human trait known as the Zeigarnik effect. It’s a psychological phenomenon that suggests our brains have a natural tendency to remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones.
Think about it: have you ever had a nagging sense of “unfinished business” that just wouldn’t go away until you completed a task or achieved a goal? That’s the Zeigarnik effect in action! Our brains are wired to crave closure, which can motivate us to remember and complete tasks.
So, how can we use this to our advantage? Simple: make use of to-do lists! But not just any to-do list – one that focuses on unfinished tasks rather than completed ones.
Instead of crossing off completed tasks and feeling a sense of accomplishment (which is great, don’t get me wrong), focus on the tasks that are still outstanding. By doing so, you create a sense of “unfinished business” that your brain will naturally want to remember and complete.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should neglect completed tasks altogether. You still need to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments (preferably with cake). But by shifting your focus to unfinished tasks, you can enhance your memory and productivity in a fun and quirky way.
In conclusion, the Zeigarnik effect is a powerful tool that can help you remember and complete tasks with ease. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, remember to focus on the unfinished business and watch your memory and productivity soar!
Until next time, happy task-completing and may your memory be as sharp as a freshly sharpened pencil.
