Thread by @kortexco

Your to-do list is destroying your productivity.

It's not helping you get more done.

Harvard research found that it's actually making you perform worse.

Here's the science-backed system that elite performers are using instead:

The average to-do list is a graveyard of good intentions.

Studies show 41% of to-do list items are never completed.

And each one of those unfinished task creates a psychological burden that drains your mental energy.

And this leads to something called:

The Zeigarnik Effect.

It was discovered by Soviet psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik in the 1920s.

Your brain has a stubborn tendency to remember uncompleted tasks better than completed ones.

This alone is more damaging than you think:

A 2011 study found incomplete tasks can reduce performance by 10%.

They occupy valuable mental resources even when you're not thinking about them.

Your brain is like a computer with too many tabs open.

And when its overloaded:

Research shows the mental burden of unfinished tasks:

• Increases cortisol (stress hormone) levels
• Reduces working memory capacity
• Impairs cognitive performance
• Disrupts focus and attention

But there is one proven way to solve this...

It's called Selective Task Management.

Don't try to do everything, focus on a few tasks that create the most impact.

Research from Harvard Business Review confirms this:

Prioritizing high-impact tasks = 18% more likely to achieve your goals.

Here's how you can do it:

1. Capture tasks immediately, but don't commit to them.

Your task manager should be a holding space, not a to-do list.

Think of it as a buffer between your thoughts and your commitments.

But here's the key difference:

You assume by default that you won't do a task.

The average task that enters your system should never get done –– sounds strange, right?

But this means you considered it an option and chose a better one.

And it's THIS mindset shift that changes everything...

2. Pick just three important tasks per day.

Doing this reduces your sense of overwhelm while increasing your completion task completion rate.

The key is being ruthlessly selective.

Here's a simple framework that will make this easier:

Use the Impact-Effort Matrix:

High Impact, Low Effort = Do First
High Impact, High Effort = Schedule
Low Impact, Low Effort = Delegate
Low Impact, High Effort = Eliminate

If you combine this framework with the next step you will reach superhuman levels of productivity:

3. Work with your brain's natural rhythms.

Research shows we have 90-120 minute ultradian cycles of peak performance.

Schedule your most important tasks during these periods.

The science behind this will blow your mind:

Studies from Florida State University found elite performers who worked in 90-minute blocks reported:

• Fewer errors
• 23% lower stress levels
• 31% higher job satisfaction
• Significantly better performance

But there's one more element (without it, nothing works):

4. Build in regular reset periods.

Clear your task list completely every week.

Move incomplete items to a "maybe later" list.

This stops you accumulating psychological debt from unfinished tasks.

And the impact that this mental freedom has is incredible:

Your mind works best when it's clear and focused.

Not weighed down by an endless list of "shoulds" and "need-tos".

But sadly, most people still don't know that:

Task management is not just about getting things done...

It's about creating space for your best ideas to emerge.

When your mind isn't cluttered with tasks, you're free to:

• Think creatively
• Spot opportunities
• Build something meaningful

This is especially crucial if you are a writer, creator or founder:

Creative workers need a system that:

• Captures ideas as you have them
• Organizes thoughts effortlessly
• Transforms notes into content
• Scales your creative output

But most tools weren't built for creatives...

That's why we built Kortex differently.

Unlike "everything apps" that do nothing well, Kortex focuses on one thing:

Making your ideas accessible and actionable.

Here's how:

Instead of forcing you into rigid systems, Kortex works the way your mind does.

Whether you're reading an article, watching a video, or just having a random thought.

Kortex lets your notes organize themselves through natural connection.

Think of it as your second brain:

Kortex helps you:

• Capture ideas from anywhere
• Connect your thoughts naturally
• Use your thoughts to create content
• Access your knowledge at any time using AI

No complex folders. No rigid systems.

If you enjoyed this thread:

1. Follow @kortexco

2. RT to share with others who might find it helpful

3. Try out Kortex 👇 kortex.co x.com/14011910912656…

If you need a place to:

• Save any idea quick
• Take notes and learn faster
• Outline, write, and create templates
• Chat with your second brain with AI

Download Kortex & get started for free: kortex.co

Video credits:
• YT link youtube.com/watch?v=u3fdQu…
• YT link youtube.com/watch?v=7Ey_vT…
• YT link youtube.com/watch?v=lsI1_E…
• YT link youtu.be/5HINgMMTzPE?si…