Folks are suddenly working from home. Distractions and boundary issues abound.
Many will struggle with productivity, so here’s a quick thread about utilizing the Zeigarnik effect, focus lists, and outsourcing memory to get people tuned up and productive.
Thread:
Many will struggle with productivity, so here’s a quick thread about utilizing the Zeigarnik effect, focus lists, and outsourcing memory to get people tuned up and productive.
Thread:
The brain works much like a desk. Projects and reminders stack up as the brain believes it needs to keep track of EVERYTHING of urgency.
The Zeigarnik Effect says that tasks you’ve half-finished eat up more memory space than tasks you haven’t started yet.
The Zeigarnik Effect says that tasks you’ve half-finished eat up more memory space than tasks you haven’t started yet.
Your brain places a mental bookmark where you were and stresses out trying to keep track while you also attend to other projects.
Get five half-finished projects and your concentration is shot.
Set aside specific times for projects where you can do them through to completion.
Get five half-finished projects and your concentration is shot.
Set aside specific times for projects where you can do them through to completion.
If you can’t complete a task, don’t store more than one incomplete project at a time.
If you MUST have multiple incomplete projects, outsource your brain’s storage. The brain KNOWS when it doesn’t HAVE to remember, so utilize detailed checklists and master lists of projects.
If you MUST have multiple incomplete projects, outsource your brain’s storage. The brain KNOWS when it doesn’t HAVE to remember, so utilize detailed checklists and master lists of projects.
You need to keep your lists and logs easily accessible, so utilize an app on your phone. @evernote syncs across devices and has multiple folders for notes, and can give you tremendous space back on your mental desk.
Log where your unfinished projects rest and the next step.
Log where your unfinished projects rest and the next step.
You can use this same system at night if your brain won’t shut down and let you sleep. Write out a detailed list of projects and steps to take the next day, and your brain may stop cycling as it desperately tries not to forget important tasks.
Keep your days broken down into smaller chunks focusing on WORK tasks and HOME tasks as separate lists and separate time slots. Don’t cross the two or you may become overwhelmed and feel like you’re drowning.
Break up your days into these categories to keep peaceful separation.
Break up your days into these categories to keep peaceful separation.
Working from home can be challenging until you figure out balance. Use some of the above skills to create a more productive mindset and diminish your mental stress load.
Good luck, everyone. It’s just a learning curve you’re undertaking unexpectedly. You can get through this. 👍
Good luck, everyone. It’s just a learning curve you’re undertaking unexpectedly. You can get through this. 👍
