P rocrastination G ot Y ou D own ? THE ZEIGARNIK EFFECT COULD BE THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS
them for five minutes. Once those five minutes have passed, you can step away from the task. However, oftentimes, you continue working because you’ve found your flow and don’t want to leave it unfinished. If you continue to leave your tasks unfinished after starting them, try breaking them down into smaller steps. Each time you accomplish one of the smaller tasks, you gain motivation to continue your project. If you need to step away from your desk for more than a few minutes, write down the unfinished task. Doing so will keep it at the top of your mind, ensuring you return later to finish. This strategy shifts your mindset and increases productivity while avoiding the stress of starting something new.
Take a moment to reflect on your high school years. Were you the student who completed all your assignments well before the deadline? Or were you the student waiting until the last second to get started? Maybe you thought you could still do it in time with a passing grade, or perhaps you didn’t know where to begin. Regardless of the reason, you procrastinated. Many people associate procrastination with schoolwork, but you can procrastinate about work, household chores, and even fun experiences like vacation planning. Those who struggle with procrastination have likely tried countless strategies to improve their efforts, from adjusting their environment
to utilizing time management applications. However, we often overlook one strategy that’s been around for over a century. The next time you procrastinate, try using the Zeigarnik Effect to your advantage. The Zeigarnik Effect is a phenomenon wherein people remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. Here’s how it works: When you have tasks you need to
Unfortunately, procrastination can be a roadblock to a happier, more fulfilling life. So, if other strategies have failed you previously, try the Zeigarnik Effect!
do, don’t commit to finishing them in a day or assigning yourself a deadline. Instead, commit to doing
BLENDING FAMILIES, BUILDING FUTURES
T he P ower of S tepparent A doption
Those who become stepparents take on an incredible responsibility. Many take pride in the experience, do everything they can to bond with their stepchild, and ensure they never feel unloved, unappreciated, or unwanted. It comes with many obstacles and challenges, but those who persist
will bring about a rewarding relationship that can span the rest of their lives. They may even consider taking the next step and officially adopting the child. By legally adopting a stepchild, you can make decisions about their education and medical treatments, and gain custody if something happens to your spouse. That said, you may still have limitations on your rights and should meet with an experienced family law attorney to look over options and determine your desired level of involvement. One of the biggest challenges of adopting a stepchild is the role of the biological parent. When you adopt a stepchild, the noncustodial parent essentially loses all rights and responsibilities to the child. They don’t retain any level of custody and no longer need to make child support payments. Once the adoption is official, they can not regain their rights to the child. In most cases, you will have
to get their permission to adopt the child unless a specific circumstance is at play. If they abandoned or neglected the child, are missing, failed to pay child support, or have passed on, you may not need their consent. However, they can challenge the adoption if they have any concerns. Once you receive the other parent’s consent or the courts decide to terminate their rights, it’s time to petition the court and initiate the adoption process. You must allow a social worker or adoption agency into your home so they can ensure the child will be in a safe and nurturing environment. The only step after that is the adoption hearing, where the judge will assess the situation and determine whether adoption is in the child’s best interest. While the adoption process can sometimes be daunting, working with a knowledgeable family law attorney can save you money, time, and stress. Call us if you have questions or need assistance.
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